Another "Dog Training Tip"

[Low Fence]

Had a guy call and talk today about getting his new pup ready for his first dove season. It made me remember a little trick for the "new guys" or new pup.

Nothing will make you more embarrassed than your first kill over the new pup and he/she runs into the field only to become preoccupied/confused by you or someone else mojo/and dove decoys. Take the time to introduce pup to these tools.

Let pup walk around them on a leash and know they are not going to hurt him. If pup tries to get to curious, simply give pup a tug and say "no" or "leave it". After a few days of this you can apply an e-collar to reinforce if needed. Start with bumper retrieves at least 20 yrds away from mojo/decoys and gradually throw them closer until they will retrieve right under the mojo and never pay it attention.

Good Luck, hope this will help some of the new feather munchers

[justhrowit]

Good advice right there. Before my boys first duck season I did this in my backyard with him. I spread out a bunch of decoys on land, along with a mojo. Walked him around, let him smell everything, and would make sure he didn't pick any of them up. Then I began throwing marks in the middle of the decoys. He did it flawlessly, but most labs wont, IMO.

J

[ibowtech]

Thanks for the tip. Just started training our new lab

[Miki]

@ justhrowit.

Did the same with mine but if you miss the ducks some time he will jump in the water and bring you one. I guess in need to shoot better

[JRG_80]

A tip that was given to me but at the time ignored, but shouldn't have been is introduce your dog/pup to fetching birds rather than their 1st experiance be with a dove. Dove feather have tendency to stick all in a dogs mouth and a dog that isn't use to the feel of feathers will not be too thrilled bout it half way thru its first retrieve. Just a tip I should have followed.

Jason

[Low Fence]

just for the evening crowd