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Subject: Puppy marks/retrieving

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Alex
Osakis, MN

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05/02/2007 1:50 PM	Alert
I am wondering how everyone starts young pups on marking? I have read books and know how I have done it in the past, but I am wanting to know how you guys start a 7-8 week old pup on marking and retrieving all the way to 5-6 months old before they are FF'ed.

stuw
North Central Minnesota

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05/02/2007 2:09 PM	Alert
I've only had 2 pups so far..and never worked on marks till after they were ff cc and been to school...up to 7mos old...I just do the walk and the happy bumper...let them be pups

APR Gull Dam Labs Sagebrush Dragon ??R Gull Dam Labs Lady Willow

Jay
Topeka, KS Go GORILLAS!!

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05/02/2007 2:32 PM	Alert
Worry about sight over smell, so little to no cover. I've heard of using five gallon buckets at distances, and always use a bird boy that can give another throw or some help if needed. Back up slow, and work for success. Confidence is probably just as important as marking ability, so keep that in mind. Just from what I've heard. Jay

There is a fine line between a hobby and a mental illness. GMPR APR HR Tornado Allie of Blk Forest

mattkeenan
Salem, OR

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05/02/2007 3:27 PM	Alert
Like jay said.... very short cut (soccer field style) grass. I don't mess with visual aids. Just throw the bumper where the dog can see it. I don't think i went more than 50 or 60 yards at this point either. If the dog isn't brining it back to you, try to use some sort of channel to encourage that. I was doing lots of these kinds of marks before ff - but stella was always good about bringing it back, although not quite 100% before ff. Either way, i wouldn't wait until he/she is 8 months old to start doing simple marks.

Matthew Keenan matthew.t.keenan@gmail.com

keskam
Pierce, Colorado

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05/02/2007 8:35 PM	Alert
At 7 to 8 weeks a nice hallway with a little bumper 3 retrieves no more!! then when there ready outside just like everbody else said! stand the puppy up say MARK when the bumper reaches its maximum height send the dog on its name. I dont wait tell it hits the ground!! Then lengthen the distance to what your pup can handle and go to alittle heavier cover! Not to heavy.

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Lindy Rig
Central Minnesota

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05/03/2007 2:35 PM	Alert
Good advice so far. This is basically what I've done: 7 - 9 weeks, a few hallway retrieves with doors closed so pup has to come back to you. Use rolled up sock or small canvas bumper (soft). Gradually move outdoors and try to use some type of natural barries to mimick the hallway (fenceline, trees, bushes, ect). If pup does not want to come back, start running away from him and calling excited. 9 - 12 weeks, stay with small soft bumpers. Start increasing distance as pup can handle, but keep the cover low and keep success rate high. Vary the locations of your retrieving sessions. Only do 2 or 3 retrieves and leave pup wanting more. As pup brings the bumper to you, do not reach for it. Try to have him come to you (even if you have to move away) and let him hold for a few seconds before taking it from him. Give lots of praise. 12+ weeks, start introducing varying cover, but keep it short and success rate high. As bumpers are thrown, release pup by name. Also, you can begin using a whistle (optional) as pup comes back. This will passively associate the whistle with coming to you without pup knowing it. Always give praise, have fun.

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Doc_E
N.E. WA state

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05/03/2007 8:37 PM	Alert
IMO, the best puppy dummy is a paint roller. Much better than a puppy bumper. .

Doc E and Cujo Casey boy.

hooligan
Southern California and Vancouver Island

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05/03/2007 8:38 PM	Alert
Alex, I will lend you my Jackie Mertens DVD is you want to borrow it...

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Jere

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05/03/2007 10:04 PM	Alert
Be careful with "lots of praise." It is real easy to end up praising (and thereby reinforcing) behavior you don't want which happens after what you did want. A simple "good dog" (assuming you've earlier taught pup that "good dog" is something to be happy about), a stroke lengthwise down the back at the completion of a good response is all that's needed. jere

Alex
Osakis, MN

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05/04/2007 4:27 PM	Alert
Hooligan-sent you a message through. Thanks for all the replies!

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