farmershy
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| 11/26/2007 1:36 PM |
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| I think I know the answer but would like confirmation. Had my 15 month old PL out for his first goose hunt....We knocked one down. He took the line and went right to it but did not pick it up.....I called him back and he did the same....when we went to get the bird it was bloodied. He has pointed and retireved quail great...I think the blood had something to do with it....anyone?? |
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Liv2Hnt
Overland Park, KS
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| 11/26/2007 2:19 PM |
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| I wouldnt get too concerned quite yet. Geese, especially larger canadas can be pretty daunting to a dog that hasnt encountered one. You mentioned quail, has the dog retrieved anything larger, large bumpers etc. Id recommend working your marking drills with as many different sized objects as possible, especially if the dog is not force fetched. Dokken even makes a goose dummy and its huge. There are alot of breast feathers and getting the dog to grab a canada is more times than not a learning experience. Get the pup excited with some hup hups and throw the goose a short distance. Encourage him and walk away, in my experience they will usually pick it up and come with. Ive seen some pretty torn up birds and I dont think blood has been much of an issue, its usually just an experience thing. Good luck with the pup. |
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farmershy
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| 11/26/2007 2:33 PM |
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Yes he has retrieved small geese, pheasants, ducks..... He also has retrieved with the big goose dummy....I did what you said about tossing the goose and walking away and he went to it but started to pull at the feathers where it was bloody. He was very excited about it but never mounthed it and never attempted to bring it back.... |
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Dunny
Fort Morgan, CO
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| 11/27/2007 9:37 AM |
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Is this dog Force-Fetched?
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farmershy
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| 11/27/2007 12:09 PM |
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| No he has retrieved so well I did not go that route. I need to get anohter goose for him to see how he reacts..then decide on the force fetch |
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Rob G
Cedaredge, CO
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| 11/27/2007 12:12 PM |
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Dunny,
My guess would be....no.
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Dunny
Fort Morgan, CO
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| 11/27/2007 12:37 PM |
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You hear that answer a ton about why to NOT FF a dog. "He retrieves already why would I want to FF him?"
The simple answer is that you don't FF a dog to make them retrieve. The longer answer has been debated at length.
My recommendation would be to FF the dog soon. Older dogs can be FF'd but it can sometimes take a little more effort to 'fix' what he has learned already. If you have never seen or done it yourself I would either get some instruction, not from internet cowboys but a real live person, or have someone do it for you.
You won't ever regret doing it.
It sounds like you have a great dog. To not have any issues up to this point speaks highly for you and him. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Just my two cents.
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Tug&Goose
SW MN
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| 11/27/2007 12:56 PM |
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Farmershy
I had a similar problem and tried everthing but FF...mainly because I had never done it before and was afraid to mess up a good dog. Get some advice hands on and do the FF yourself it can be stressfull but is well worth it in the end!! |
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Rob G
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| 11/27/2007 1:42 PM |
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| I agree with Dunny and Tug. |
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Liv2Hnt
Overland Park, KS
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| 11/27/2007 1:46 PM |
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| I agree, my current dog is the first one Ive had FF and I wont own another dog that isnt. My pup was FF at 7-8 months which happened to be during hunting season last year, but he was ready from a progression and mental standpoint, so I had it done. I had the same concerns as Tug and had a pro do it. It took 6wks or so, but was well worth the investment. Its not a cure all, but serves as a strong foundation for so many other parts of lab training. I wouldnt give up on trying to get him to pick up a goose and would incourage him to have fun, but if you are serious about training this dog, Id add FF to the program. Good Luck. |
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Liv2Hnt
Overland Park, KS
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| 11/27/2007 1:47 PM |
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| And if Nothing else, it lets you take some cool pictures. |
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Doc_E
N.E. WA state
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| 11/27/2007 10:04 PM |
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Posted By farmershy on 11/27/2007 12:09 PM
No he has retrieved so well I did not go that route. I need to get anohter goose for him to see how he reacts..then decide on the force fetch
FF is about MANY more things than just good retrieves and mouth habits.
I don't care how good of a natural retriever my dog is -- it is going to be FF, regardless.
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Dunny
Fort Morgan, CO
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| 11/28/2007 12:34 AM |
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Doc, you could take that a step further and say that if the dog has a good, strong, natural retrieve that he will only grow and develop faster AFTER he has been force-fetched. It is almost one of those things that won't be understood until you have experienced it. Kinda like driving a Mercedes...or so I have been told.
I am always curious when this question on FF comes up. Are there many people that FF a dog because he doesn't retrieve? If so, is he that much better of a dog because he was forced? I highly doubt it, don't you? We have retrievers because we want a dog that can retrieve. The other 'stuff' is better if we have a stylish dog before FF ever happens.
Anyway, I think I am beating a dead horse. |
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stuw
North Central Minnesota
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| 11/28/2007 8:15 AM |
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I have to agree...all my dogs will be Force Fetch trained. I hunted ducks with a buddy this year who's lab was a fantastic duck dog..good blind manners..would break ice for the retrieve..eyes always to the sky..but if we shot more than one bird...the dog would switch back and forth on what duck it would bring in..it got so frustrating that it just didnt seem worth it..once back on shore the dog would try to hide it or keep the bird.. I started bringing one of my dogs after that...
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