Force fetch or not?

[SFAbowhunter]

So I have a 9 month old silver lab male that I'm training for dove/duck season. I'm to the point now where I need to force fetch train him and e collar train him, and I'm trying to decide if I really need to force fetch train him. I've heard of guys ruining their dog if they don't do something right or put to much pressure in the dog. Listed below are the things my pup has already done:

He knows sit, stay, heel (sitting next to me on my left side), still working on walking at heel, come, place, kennel, he's been gun trained, had pigeons shot over him, knows how to trail downed birds, and knows what decoys are.

As of this past weekend when he's off leash doing retrieves in the water I've noticed he sometimes drops the bumper at the waters edge and then wants to go swim instead of come back to me with it. If he's on his check cord, every once in a while he'll drop the bumper when he gets to land and shake off, then pick it back up and run back to me.

My question is, does he really need force fetch training? Will just introducing him to the e collar work instead?

I'm brand new into dog training, but I'm pretty proud of what I've accomplished and what he has as well. He's got a great drive and runs hard. There's no doubt in my mind he'll be a great bird dog with a few seasons under his belt.

I really appreciate the help green screen!

Thanks,
Brandon

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

[wilcox1088]

Unless you are a trained trainer I wouldn't try and force fetch my own dog, but I personally would have it done. I guided for quite awhile and there's nothing more frustrating than a dog not bring a duck back to my hand. As far as collar training, I would do the same as above but be with the trainer while he is training the dog so you can also get trained. If you don't know how to properly use a collar you can ruin a dog and he will shut down. Hope I helped

[CastAndBlast]

Force fetch is a must do IMO. I have gotten two dogs to a senior/seasoned level without a collar though. I don't think a collar is 100% necessary, but it depends on the dog and what you will be using it for.

[2014FusionM]

Unless you are a trained trainer I wouldn't try and force fetch my own dog, but I personally would have it done. I guided for quite awhile and there's nothing more frustrating than a dog not bring a duck back to my hand. As far as collar training, I would do the same as above but be with the trainer while he is training the dog so you can also get trained. If you don't know how to properly use a collar you can ruin a dog and he will shut down. Hope I helped

I am with him ^^^. My granddad used to have bird dogs and he was hard on them, but he made sure they always had proper training. He could do a lot of the little stuff like you are doing but nothing replaces a trainer that has years of experience under their belts.

But you never know some dogs just have it in them.

[Low Fence]

9 months is pushing it. It's a lot of pressure. Not every dog can handle being force fetched. If they have high drive and need focus and polishing - force fetch. If the won't retrieve... It won't help much

[SFAbowhunter]

I would like to do 100 % of the training on my own. I don't have the money to send him to a trainer. If I did I would send him to a trainer for both parts.

It sounds like force fetch is a must though. I guess I need to really read up on it and give it a go.

[James]

There is lots of information and videos online that will provide you with all the information you need. I am in the exact same boat as you with my lab. I have never trained a dog either but he sounds just like yours. I also am pretty determined to train him on my own.

Look up local retriever clubs in your area, join and get involved. I joined the Alamo Retriever Club in San Antonio and it has been a huge help. We have monthly meetings and training days together. The Senior guys have offered me lots of advice and been great mentors. The best thing you can do is be consistent with your dog.

[White Falcon]

No! Just my $.02!!

[Rack Ranch]

X2

9 months is pushing it. It's a lot of pressure. Not every dog can handle being force fetched. If they have high drive and need focus and polishing - force fetch. If the won't retrieve... It won't help much

[bb2567]

Freddy king has videos on you tube from start to finish. I have used them as a tool for the last two years. It might be a little luck, but my dog has turned out great for duck hunting, and I had no prior training experience before watching those videos and working with my lab on my own. I have put in a lot of time working with her, but I completely give credit to his videos.

[gonehuntin68]

If you want to solve your dog dropping the dummy when he comes out of the water, do this. Stand close to the waters edge when the dog is retrieving the dummy, when the dog gets close to the shore, start jogging away from the shore calling your dog in a excited voice, keep jogging away and calling the dog until he gets to you. Once he catches up to you, turn and take the dummy and praise him. Once you do this a bunch he should get the idea and stop dropping the dummy at the water to shake. Once he has this down, you can then have him sit when he gets back to you and take the dummy/bird before he shakes. I've trained my 4 labs and this has worked on all of them.

[js4242]

If this is his first season I would make it fun and not look for perfection. I would wait until after his first season to do it. You might also want to back away from the water as your dog comes in while training him. Don't go to meet him. You can also try working on hold command in the backyard as well while not putting a lot of pressure on the dog. Then go onto the additional FF training after the first season. I don't have a lab, but a WPG. A bit softer dog to begin with so take my advice with a gran of salt. I am also not a pro trainer, but this worked for my dog.

[js4242]

If you want to solve your dog dropping the dummy when he comes out of the water, do this. Stand close to the waters edge when the dog is retrieving the dummy, when the dog gets close to the shore, start jogging away from the shore calling your dog in a excited voice, keep jogging away and calling the dog until he gets to you. Once he catches up to you, turn and take the dummy and praise him. Once you do this a bunch he should get the idea and stop dropping the dummy at the water to shake. Once he has this down, you can then have him sit when he gets back to you and take the dummy/bird before he shakes. I've trained my 4 labs and this has worked on all of them.

^^^^
Better description on what to do than I gave you.

[scoutman]

Force fetch is a must, it is not done in a week. I went slow with mine and he caught on quickly but still took at least a month. No fetching at all during training, but do fun dummy after each session.

[Bonehead2314]

The only time I ever used a collar on my dog was to stop the dropping and shaking off. When he comes out and starts to drop say no if he does light him up. He will learn quickly not to drop until you ask for it. Took my dog about 3 times and he was good. Never used collar for anything else and never gave treats just lots of praise for good.