Train my Lab

[Bama44]

I have a 15 month old Black Lab. He will sit, stay (for an extended period), heel, and knows place. He loves to retrieve and will retrieve dummies. He will retrieve from water and is not gun shy. How do I transition him to birds. Most of what I hunt in Mississippi is dove and we duck hunt every so often. He is eager. He will probably never be a finished dog and I don't have the money to send him off, but if he can be consistent that would be great. Thanks.

[BaconsMom]

Is your dog force fetch trained? If not, do so. If he is, Start with wings, then frozen dead birds. Then, if you have access, freshly dead birds. Make sure that every retrieve is positive, and praise him for getting the bird. Bacon actually wouldnt pick up dead birds we were using for training, but then we took him hunting this weekend and he did phenomenal! He got every bird without a second guess. I think its natural.

[POPTOP]

Hello and Welcome!

[IRISHWISTLER]

Bama44,
It sounds as though you have your Lab off to a positive start and are looking to do more. I understand if you cannot send him off for professional training, so let's consider plan B (train him yourself, join a retriever club / training group). You should use a structured / formal training program in DVD and book format to keep you on track and to assure that critical steps in training are not passed over. There are a number of solid programs out there that will serve you well, one being the "SMARTWORKS" program by Evan Graham, a frequent contributor to this forum.

Also, see if you can join an HRC (retriever club and training group), these being comprised of many folks that are knowledgable and willing to help a newbie. You and your retriever will benefit greatly and have lots of fun along the way.

Cheers,
Irishwhistler

[windycanyon]

I 2nd the training club/group and the SmartFetch book (I like books as I can take the thing out w/ me if need be to remind myself what we are doing next!). Teach your dog a FLAWLESS hold, esp since you are talking doves... not an easy bird to start a dog on. Also try to find someone w/ live pigeons to build the prey drive before getting to dead birds.

[EvanG]

If you have 15-20 minutes a day for 3-5 days per week, you can do it all yourself. And you CAN have a finished dog, as long as you are patient and thorough. The Smartwork system is centered on 3 books, and augmented by DVD's that allow you to see the training in live action, as well as problem solving. Let me know if you would like to chat about it. 816-213-9397, or see the links to our site below.

EvanG

The Smartwork System for Retriever Training EVAN GRAHAM | Liberty, MO 64069
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