This video explains how you can reinforce a retrieve to hand without the dog dropping the dummy, or bird. For more information visit willowcreekkennels.net. Like us on Facebook
It's good to see someone in outdoor sports train using effective methods that are positive for the dog too. I had only seen forced retrieves in the past with ear pinching (negative reinforcement) rather than positive reinforcement (praise).
im really enjoying watching and learning & like your style of teaching. thanks! When do you stop feeding your GSP puppy food so they dont grow too fast and end up too tall and skinny?
We stop at different times depending on our food options. We supplement with eggs, venison, meat trimmings etc. when available. Each dog holds weight and grows differently. You can always ask your vet as well.
Great video, I have a 1.5 yrs old GSP and she will not complete a short retrieve to me but if a bird is shot a long distance from me then she will go and bring it back all the way to my hand. It is a little frustrating that the "simple" retrieves she won't do but a 100 yd retrieve, she will come all the way back with a text book retrieve. Any tips?
What a beautiful dog! We are currently working on teaching a GWP to retrieve. He goes for birds but tends to not want to bring them back. He'd rather chew on them. Looking for some help with that, so if you or anyone has any tips that'd be great! (I'd like to avoid force fetch, so please don't recommend this)
How do you keep weight on yours? Mine is about a year and a half and she is skin and bones. I find food with high fat and protein and she gets as much as she can eat. She literally always has food in front of her. I've also been feeding her Instinct wet food. She gets a can mixed in with her food every day.
We try different things for different dogs. Meat trimmings and eggs are always a nice supplement and the dogs like it. We have been feeding Kinetic lately and have been pleased with results.
ok so i just got into hunting and i have a 5 year old lab is she still worth to teach or should i wait to get a younger dog? i got her to to retrieve on command but she sometimes doesn't bring it all the way back. she is a chocolate lab.Willow Creek Kennels
Did I hear right ? "We do not train because we are out hunting" Does that mean you hunt to find out how the dog reacts ? I would never take a dog out until I know exactly how it will perform.
This dog had a lot of training prior to hunting and the video was shot during some down time between guided hunts when we chose to work on shaping some of her behaviors. Everyone chooses to develop their dog differently, best of luck to you.
