Search found 1077 matches
- Tue Feb 09, 2021 7:17 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: List Of Training Skills
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1035
Re: List Of Training Skills
Newbie question here. Is there a list of all the skills I should be teaching my dog and in what order? I have several books on dog training but all of them focus on formal gun dog training and not obedience training. The AHDC "Orange Book" focuses on everything and overlooks nothing: http://www.ahd...
- Tue Dec 29, 2020 9:15 am
- Forum: General Chat
- Topic: How do you choose a breeder?
- Replies: 2
- Views: 937
Re: How do you choose a breeder?
If you're looking for a field-bred Lab, most of the time you choose pedigree over people (breeder). Sometimes - if you know the retriever games from the inside - you're able to work both into your equation for picking a new pup. You could do worse than go to the Duck Hunter's Refuge Forums - specifi...
- Thu Oct 22, 2020 2:25 pm
- Forum: Training
- Topic: A Labrador Retriever Struggling Retrieving Birds (video) - Advice Appreciated
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1470
Re: A Labrador Retriever Struggling Retrieving Birds (video) - Advice Appreciated
My wife believes that Josey didn't receive the same level of training as Echo. Josey is very sensitive and she believes that our trainer gave up on her training early. I will need to start from scratch and work with another professional. Expensive but necessary. I need to go beyond my comfort zone ...
- Tue Oct 20, 2020 6:51 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: A Labrador Retriever Struggling Retrieving Birds (video) - Advice Appreciated
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1470
Re: A Labrador Retriever Struggling Retrieving Birds (video) - Advice Appreciated
Did you ever train with wings attached to a large dummy. She seems to not connect that this thing with feathers is ok to, and supposed to be retrieved. We do and she seems opposed to fetching those bumpers at times. There are times she does retrieve the feathered bumper, and there are times when sh...
- Mon Aug 10, 2020 10:18 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Time swimming
- Replies: 16
- Views: 2781
Re: Time swimming
If you were throwing marks for them pointers, you were enhancing your element - nice job. Swimming for recovery or recreation ain't to be sniffed at, either. But if you've ever seen a retriever trial or advanced training on the water, you'll know that these dogs are trained to return with a retrieve...
- Mon Aug 03, 2020 7:44 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Vive'ing la difference
- Replies: 33
- Views: 3690
Re: Vive'ing la difference
My apologies to Polmaise for the highjack. i just thought it was interesting..........Cj None necessary ! It always is interesting appreciating the 'differences' . The thread can take whatever route or direction as far as I am personally concerned . Would that be autonomous relocating you've cleare...
- Wed Jul 22, 2020 9:41 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Time swimming
- Replies: 16
- Views: 2781
Re: Time swimming
So I got a chance to talk to Lab trainer about length of time swimming and I was surprised by his answers. He said now with water temps near 80 and air temps pushing 90°, he wouldn't swim a dog 30 minutes. I know labs have a heavier coat but others say a minute swimming is equal to 4 or 5 minutes r...
- Tue Jul 14, 2020 9:23 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Problems with come/here
- Replies: 23
- Views: 3614
Re: Problems with come/here
Not to worry. Over here we just crank up the ecollar. The dog learns to come when the juice is on. He soon learns to ignore the command. But we still have the juice........Cj Is that the AC/DC Troglodyte recall program you're describing? Polmaise knows that ain't quite the protocol in the more, sha...
- Fri Jul 10, 2020 11:10 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Bird puppy destroyed first bird.
- Replies: 5
- Views: 1430
Re: Bird puppy destroyed first bird.
I have a 16 week old GSP (4 month) .It spent 50% of it's life so far sucking on a teat and pretty much blind for most of that time. I wouldn't let it learn what to do on it's own with a tennis ball or a slipper ,even a bumper or a stick. ................................. She is pretty good at eatin...
- Mon Jul 06, 2020 12:33 pm
- Forum: Training
- Topic: FF/trained retrieve question
- Replies: 2
- Views: 1073
Re: FF/trained retrieve question
We are just past hold and jowl pinch and starting with ear pinch. When pinch is applied he readily opens his mouth and takes the buck but im having trouble getting him to reach for it. I know this is a critical step and I dont want to cause a train wreck. I dont think he is being obstinate I dont t...
- Mon Jun 22, 2020 3:14 pm
- Forum: Training
- Topic: How to teach "turning"?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 6517
- Mon Jun 22, 2020 2:51 pm
- Forum: Training
- Topic: How to teach "turning"?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 6517
Re: How to teach "turning"?
I use the command in the field when I'm sure the dog knows what is expected. If he ignores me, I use the e collar . Whilst your Singing may be of virtue, if the dog knows what is expected ,then why would it ignore you ? , I was just watching a great film ' A few Good Men ' ..and just thought of a '...
- Mon Jun 22, 2020 1:49 pm
- Forum: Training
- Topic: How to teach "turning"?
- Replies: 44
- Views: 6517
Re: How to teach "turning"?
Definitely think a lot of Higgins ' method ,but I do it differently. I start in the back yard with a check cord and a command. I use "yohhhhh" . Use the command ,turn the dog. Then extend your distant from the dog using the command. Same as you might teach "come". I use the command in the field whe...
- Wed Jun 17, 2020 7:27 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Boykin rebelling
- Replies: 7
- Views: 1808
Re: Boykin rebelling
That's right, Robt., Boykins are one thing and one thing, only: untrainable curs. But who knows, if 'Bama shoots a bird for him, he might "choose to share his prey"...
MG
- Fri Jun 12, 2020 8:08 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: VIDEO: Choosing to Share Her Prey
- Replies: 43
- Views: 6139
Re: VIDEO: Choosing to Share Her Prey
Maybe there should be a thread on sour grapes :lol: If you think Polmaise is sour graping things, you need only tune into the many (many) gundog amateurs and novices from the UK and across the continent who not only trust in his guidance and methods, but flourish with his hands'-on help and (lately...
- Mon Jun 08, 2020 6:50 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: VIDEO: Choosing to Share Her Prey
- Replies: 43
- Views: 6139
Re: VIDEO: Choosing to Share Her Prey
I am not nearly "techie" enough to take that old tape and somehow transfer it onto a disc and then post that onto U TUBE. That's a pity 'Wullie' , I am sure folks on here would love to see you in Flared trousers a Fair Isle jumper and a Hippy hair style :lol: Bill, you know the old saying "Read you...
- Thu Jun 04, 2020 8:28 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: VIDEO: Choosing to Share Her Prey
- Replies: 43
- Views: 6139
Re: VIDEO: Choosing to Share Her Prey
Now Bill, admit it, you're just chafed 'cause you can't get a spinone to share her prey over there, keeping them bagged wild haggi all for herself. Now if you went at it from a 'Merican pointing dog trialer's perspective - you know, them who so mellifluously "sang" without surcease for their dogs' s...
- Mon Jun 01, 2020 7:57 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: VIDEO: Choosing to Share Her Prey
- Replies: 43
- Views: 6139
Re: VIDEO: Choosing to Share Her Prey
Polmaise, I'm not disputing your observation however I'm confident this dog will retrieve to hand. It just isn't "there" in it's training and we don't know what the owner did with this dog if anything, in it's puppy stages. My video quality is poor. Is that a GSP? No Feather, not a GSP, a GPS - Goo...
- Tue May 12, 2020 5:44 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: How to Train Your Bird Dog by Horace Lytle
- Replies: 14
- Views: 2891
Re: How to Train Your Bird Dog by Horace Lytle
Great stuff, Craig - thanks for that, both the literary insight and the personal touch put into it.
MG
MG
- Mon Apr 20, 2020 5:57 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: A little help with "hold"
- Replies: 31
- Views: 5314
Re: A little help with
[There must be thousands of lazy folk just like me in Britain , their dogs all retrieve too. :lol: Shame on y'all, Bill - Brexit is ripping the heart out of the EU having the best tennis ball "collectors" on any continent! FF, cut it out with the "Bammer" bidness, we're to be addressed as "Gumps" -...
- Fri Apr 17, 2020 7:59 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: A little help with "hold"
- Replies: 31
- Views: 5314
Re: A little help with
Stop calling him "Bammer," feather, or we'll have to come down there and force fetch that slur out of you by both ears! :wink: - otherwise you and Bill (trekmoor) got ol' Nick going with good advice. Would, however, give the pup something it actually might like to glom onto and carry around instead ...
- Mon Mar 30, 2020 6:47 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Help with Carrying
- Replies: 8
- Views: 2293
Re: Help with Carrying
That’s lovely, Robt. even without the “spirit of season” soundtrack. Just lovely. Know it’s “proprietary” but your opposite number undoing hardmouth would be a smash over here, too. I remember having a video call a few years ago with who is now a very dear friend and successful in their pursuit with...
- Fri Mar 06, 2020 9:40 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: dog only partly retrieving
- Replies: 24
- Views: 4861
Re: dog only partly retrieving
birds, force fetch is never about perfection but the * This * you cited above on different folks wanting different strokes from their gundog is spot on. FF for retrievers is about instilling a work ethic (for retrieving) and a foundation for advanced training if you are to compete in field trials or...
- Thu Jan 16, 2020 2:44 pm
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Hunting Dog (Retriever) Question
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1982
Re: Hunting Dog (Retriever) Question
I thought he would naturally want to retrieve more than he is. Other than that he has been an amazing family dog. Even at 4 months he has been a ton of fun inside the house, with the kids, etc. Your not the 1st person to have thought that dogs would "just" naturally do their work without months of ...
- Tue Jan 07, 2020 11:08 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Tips for teaching fetch or retrieve?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 5062
Re: Tips for teaching fetch or retrieve?
Living room - full decanter of W&J Graham's tawny port and open tin of Samuel Gawith Squadron Leader at her, er, fingertips.

MG
- Mon Jan 06, 2020 9:37 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Tips for teaching fetch or retrieve?
- Replies: 18
- Views: 5062
- Sun Dec 15, 2019 5:12 am
- Forum: General Chat
- Topic: Whats with the hooping and hollaring in field trials??
- Replies: 39
- Views: 7810
Re: Whats with the hooping and hollaring in field trials??
Thanks, FF - but that was Polmaise's handi-gundog work. Maybe he'll also post up an account and photos of the American cocker he got to working toward viable gundog status for a client without any sangin' just lullabies of encouragement...
MG
MG
- Fri Dec 13, 2019 8:44 am
- Forum: General Chat
- Topic: Whats with the hooping and hollaring in field trials??
- Replies: 39
- Views: 7810
Re: Whats with the hooping and hollaring in field trials??
Or, you know, like NASCAR drivers, they could have a pre-trial handlers' meeting and decide on a duet that would work "aesthetically" for both bamanick's dog and bracemate. I'm thinking The Ames Brothers' "Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart" on the breakaway, and maybe "My Cup Runneth Over" by "Mingo" Ames ...
- Thu Dec 12, 2019 9:58 am
- Forum: General Chat
- Topic: Whats with the hooping and hollaring in field trials??
- Replies: 39
- Views: 7810
Re: Whats with the hooping and hollaring in field trials??
Crackered, did you say Harry Lauder or Cindy Lauper? Either one, but ol' Bill could do solo sangin' Harry Lauder, while channeling Cindy Lauper would mean he's missing backup vocals from the late Capt. Lou Albano. Hmm, Polmaise might be just the substitute side-scissorskick! (No, Robt., no dirks ou...
- Thu Dec 12, 2019 9:53 am
- Forum: General Chat
- Topic: Trekmoor/Bill/Wullie
- Replies: 12
- Views: 3242
Re: Trekmoor/Bill/Wullie
If we could only get green cards for the two Scottish "Skinflintstone" chums to ply their gundog training trade over here, they both would revitalized physically and fiscally by the opportunities that lie-eth before them. Trust me, that's no joke...
MG
MG
- Wed Dec 11, 2019 9:59 am
- Forum: General Chat
- Topic: Whats with the hooping and hollaring in field trials??
- Replies: 39
- Views: 7810
Re: Whats with the hooping and hollaring in field trials??
bamanicksbd, you've obviously mistaken a pointing dog field trial for an impromptu sing-along by an "Alabama" (or Miss Minnie Pearl) cover group or South'n Baptist choir! - them FT handlers sho' 'nuff got some mighty fine timbre to their sangin'... Speaking of "cover groups," my hope is we can get o...
- Mon Nov 25, 2019 9:06 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: hunting too fast
- Replies: 37
- Views: 8343
Re: hunting too fast
:lol: :lol: :lol: I liked that pic and what is suggested in it ! :lol: Bill T. Be even better if you could translate it into Scotsese, Bill - go on then: You keep your dog close because he busts birds not because you like to watch him work. CHANGE MY MIND translated into Scots would be (fill in the...
- Tue Nov 19, 2019 8:46 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: hunting too fast
- Replies: 37
- Views: 8343
Re: hunting too fast
What are you gentlemen talking about? :) They are blethering about a legend of Scotland - Robert the Bruce and his lesson learnt from a spider, all mixed up with a tiny bit of gundog stuff and an old fashioned Scottish word or two. I got the gist of it but I am not surprised by the non comprehensio...
- Mon Nov 18, 2019 3:15 pm
- Forum: Training
- Topic: hunting too fast
- Replies: 37
- Views: 8343
Re: hunting too fast
It would be rude to quote what has been said by others regarding 'Planted birds' and human scent . ... Least Not, ..Hunting Fast'?? ..Or as we Heathens sitting in a cave watching a spider ...call it "Stravaiging" . :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: Wait a minute, are you talking pla...
- Mon Nov 18, 2019 2:18 pm
- Forum: Training
- Topic: hunting too fast
- Replies: 37
- Views: 8343
Re: hunting too fast
Robt., I heard on the QT that Our Wullie has got some training capercaillie available, "Scottish endangered species" status notwithstanding!
MG
- Mon Nov 18, 2019 9:10 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: hunting too fast
- Replies: 37
- Views: 8343
Re: hunting too fast
What's wrong with self relocation if the bird is moving? So long as it stops short of the 49th parallel on the relocation, Sharon, probably good to go. :wink: Only came onto this thread because I thought Bill (Trekmoor) was aboard with recommending the best UP (and North Woods) grouse dog out there...
- Thu Nov 07, 2019 8:19 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: FF or wait?
- Replies: 62
- Views: 16122
Re: FF or wait?
Photo from this morning. Hence the title "Perfect Retrieve" https://i.imgur.com/rfpqu2Bl.jpg Nobody has mentioned this here, but the way that dog is presenting the bird to AG is the PERFECT presentation. He is sitting, not standing. His nose is straight up looking at the handler. When in this posit...
- Tue Oct 29, 2019 9:51 am
- Forum: General Chat
- Topic: Full grown GWP
- Replies: 5
- Views: 2028
Re: Full grown GWP
Yeah, GH, but your rough guide was only measuring Pembroke corgis...gonehuntin' wrote: ↑Mon Oct 28, 2019 4:04 pmI always told people they grew up for a year and out for a year. Rough guide.

MG
- Mon Oct 28, 2019 10:19 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Starting Them Early
- Replies: 10
- Views: 3165
Re: Starting Them Early
Ray, on the "BUT" - my eyes ain't what they used to be, but if I'm scaling the photo correctly, those may be cicadas instead of birds getting pointed, and you know what that means: Good source of "meat" protein for a growing pup! MG PS Speaking of scaling, I've got a couple of Carl's smaller bird cr...
- Mon Oct 28, 2019 8:00 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Starting Them Early
- Replies: 10
- Views: 3165
Re: Starting Them Early
"Pointing" Labs at their "pointiest" -
MG
MG
- Mon Sep 09, 2019 8:14 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Replacement collar for Garmin 3/4"
- Replies: 16
- Views: 4234
Re: Replacement collar for Garmin 3/4"
Going to check out the sportdog collars. My collar riveted on doesnt sit right on the the neck and catches debris so its no bueno. weimdog, found these .... on eBay - at the price, certainly worth a shot (or two or three!), what with at least having an O-ring and decent buckle. Turns out to be one ...
- Tue Sep 03, 2019 2:15 pm
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Replacement collar for Garmin 3/4"
- Replies: 16
- Views: 4234
Re: Replacement collar for Garmin 3/4"
Going to check out the sportdog collars. My collar riveted on doesnt sit right on the the neck and catches debris so its no bueno. weimdog, found these https://www.ebay.com/i/123809263413?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=123809263413&targetid=809743754545&device=c&mk...
- Mon Aug 26, 2019 12:20 pm
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Force fetch with positive and negative reinforcement
- Replies: 12
- Views: 3296
Re: Force fetch with positive and negative reinforcement
So I have been in the force fetch process for about 25 days. I did a lot of research on force fetch. I bought smart fetch read Tom Dokken’s book and watched a bunch of videos before starting. Things have been going fairly well and some of the common hold up’s that most people I read about I’ve had....
- Sun Aug 25, 2019 7:45 pm
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Force fetch with positive and negative reinforcement
- Replies: 12
- Views: 3296
Re: Force fetch with positive and negative reinforcement
Agree as usual with GH on force fetching - for all gundog breeds. Just wrapped up the proceedings today overlaying the e-collar with a black dog (best FF candidate ever invented) whose five-gen. pedigree only has 112 FCs, and relished 99.4% of imparting it to a pup (of my own) for the first time in ...
- Fri Aug 23, 2019 3:00 pm
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Force fetch with positive and negative reinforcement
- Replies: 12
- Views: 3296
Re: Force fetch with positive and negative reinforcement
So I have been in the force fetch process for about 25 days. ... I know I’m going to have to ween him off the treats as we continue the process but what’s wrong with teaching him the fetch and hold command this way? All the other commands I’ve taught him has been with introducing him to the command...
- Fri Aug 02, 2019 10:27 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Replacement collar for Garmin 3/4"
- Replies: 16
- Views: 4234
Re: Replacement collar for Garmin 3/4"
Hoping somebody would ask (and answer) this question, as until you've experienced how atrocious the collar quality on the Garmin actually is... you might think baling twine would be an improvement, and you might well be right!
MG
MG
- Tue Jul 30, 2019 12:34 pm
- Forum: Training
- Topic: force fetch trouble
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1839
Re: force fetch trouble
Here's an earlier thread from this forum sort of on the same topic with commentary from retriever training program originator Evan Graham and cameos by one of his acolytes, the wonderfully named "Del Lolo:" http://gundogforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44667 At this stage, and working with a 4-year-o...
- Tue Jul 30, 2019 10:47 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: force fetch trouble
- Replies: 4
- Views: 1839
Re: force fetch trouble
Only saw the word "force" in your thread header. Does that mean you're commanding the dog to fetch without any force in front of it? With a 4 year-old-dog, the persuasion's gotta go beyond one five-letter word ("fetch") rolling off your tongue - it demands that the other five-letter word ("force") r...
- Fri Jul 26, 2019 8:55 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: First Day of Season
- Replies: 5
- Views: 2129
Re: First Day of Season
Probably a really dumb question but here it goes....how will my chessie learn to transition from training to the real deal? He is awesome with guns, bringing the dummy back, and most the stuff related to hunting....well for being 7 months old. Just interested in better ways to help him transition, ...
- Tue Jul 09, 2019 8:50 am
- Forum: Training
- Topic: Pickiness with dummies
- Replies: 18
- Views: 4423
Re: Pickiness with dummies
Ended up just buying half a dozen identical dummies once my last paycheck hit. Problem seems to be fixed for the most part. Occasionally he’ll decide that he doesn’t want to pick up one of the subsequent ones but we can usually work through it that session and if he decides that he really doesn’t w...