Force Fetch - Is it necessary?

[Benelli_my_lab]

Now I get it!!

I see where FF would be absolutely needed - especially if in field trial competitions.

For us, it's a lazy Saturday/Sunday... we shoot ducks/geese/pheasants and Nelli's job is to go find them, fetch them and bring them to hand. That's pretty much all we need out of her.

Though I would dearly love to see this fetching machine of mine in a competition... I'm sure with all the right training, she would be phenomenal to watch. She already blows our minds when she's in the fields/sloughs with us. And other hunting parties have already commented on what a great dog she is.

Funny, I'm in the HEART of goose/duck hunting where I live, and I've never heard of such trials until I came to this board. Might have to look into that. Could be a ton of fun - especially for Nelli.

[EvanG]

Originally Posted by Benelli_my_lab

Now I get it!!

Funny, I'm in the HEART of goose/duck hunting where I live, and I've never heard of such trials until I came to this board. Might have to look into that. Could be a ton of fun - especially for Nelli.

You truly are in the heart of field trial and hunt test heaven! There are also many very good trainers in your region. You should go say "Howdy"!

EvanG

[LauraNJ]

I've never done FF but I have had the awesome experience these last few months (why I have not been on here) of having a neighbor who has a Choc Lab from AFC FCs who is FF. Rudder is 2 yrs old and is a dream to watch. I have learned so much in the last few months. Rudder gets trained in the morning, at lunch time and then when the owner gets done with work. Tinker gets training at the same time and then the dogs are rewarded with free play and swimming, and do they have a ball.

Tinker is reliable but Rudder is much more perfect with each and every command. Every now and then, Tinker will decide to fetch and instead of immediately bringing it back, she'll take the dummy for a quick swim in the pond and then bring it back. She doesn't cheat the water, she cheats the land if possible.

I always wondered if FF changed the dogs perception but after watching Rudder, I think it might actually give some confidence that the dog knows exactly what they are to do. Rudder is very enthused and loves the training and the work, you can see it when he is so focused at his task, he is loving every moment. So, at some point soon, I'll be ordering your DVDs Evan so I can start working Tinker to that level.

[EvanG]

Originally Posted by LauraNJ

She doesn't cheat the water, she cheats the land if possible.

So, at some point soon, I'll be ordering your DVDs Evan so I can start working Tinker to that level.

Laura,

You've chosen a good time! I just released a new De-cheating video last night. Once your dog has a solid set of basic handling skills, this is one of the very first areas of Transition that logically follows. It's called "No Cheating!" and is listed at http://rushcreekpress.com/page3allproducts.html Let me know if I can be of help.

EvanG

[LauraNJ]

I will have to get that video. Thanks for the link!