Gun Dog Forum

I have a two year old brittany that I have been working with on retrieving. Now I have been told that you can teach dogs to retrieve when its not really in their breed. I have also been told that brittany don't do retrieves. But I have seen them do it. My question is what is the best way to do this. Do to space I really can't have two dogs and really don't have the money to afford a professional trainer. So I was hoping that I could get some help on this so I'm not messing things up. This is my first hunting do I have ever own. Every one here has always been very helpful. Thanks

some background info to tell us how much retrieving, if any, does the dog do now. does the dog like to fetch anything at all, tennis balls, sticks, anything? what have you done so far wiht the dog?

If a dog wont retrieve and that is one of the requirements yo have for your dog then you might be looking into a force fetch program. it is a slow tediouse process but well worth it in my opinion. there are several sources on line. I used the method in the book Ten Minute Retriever by John and Amy Dahl. I was training a lab but the basics are the same.
JIm

Brittanies do retrieve and they do it quite well, thank you.

Who ever told you brittanies won't or don't retrieve is, well: to not get kicked off or bleeped, confused.

Give more info. Like asked.

FF always works.

Does it like birds?
Does it point birds?
Have you shot a bird over this dog?
Did it go to the bird?
Pick it up?
Come back?
Run off with it?
Does it play with balls, bumpers?
Does it carry stuff?
Does it chase stuff?
Does it like squirrels?

The more info the easier the help.
I think GH will tell you Evan Grams Smart Fetch is a good program.
The book is cheap enough.

The person that told me that brittany don't retrieve was a golden retriever breeder.

My birttany did her first hunting season last year we got a couple pheasants over her and some quail. She will track and find the down bird just will not pick it up. She loves playing fetch with a tennis ball even will retrieve a canvas dummies with pheasants wings on them (loves to do that). But can't get her to pick up a dead bird. With a dead bird on the ground the only thing she will do is find it and sniff it.

I have even spent time after picking the bird up, placing the bird in her mouth and making her hold it. Is this wrong to do?

I have even spent time after picking the bird up, placing the bird in her mouth and making her hold it. Is this wrong to do?

Nothing wrong with it, but it is probably not going to do any good either. IMO, if it is important to you that the dog retrieve, the best thing you could do is FF.

Charlie

So I see that some of you mention force fetching. With all the books and videos out there where would i start on finding what i need for this type of training?

Smart Fetch by Evan Graham.

Charlie

Delmar Smith method written by Bill Tarrent. Best way to train you gundog is the name of the book.

birddogger wrote:Smart Fetch by Evan Graham.

Charlie

Yup. +1.

I reccomend smartfetch by evan graham as well. No matter whos method you use stick to it and be consistant. Feathers are not a natrual thing for a dog to enjoy. since you have shot over the dog in past get a clipped wing bird of your choice and tease the dog up and let the chase begin. Whatever you do, do not overreact and get mad and scare your dog. don't be in a race either. Brittaneys like all other versatile breeds retrieve but also some breeders don't worry about the natural retrieve and leave it behind. good luck, and with the smartfetch method you can do it.

triplebbirddog wrote: Feathers are not a natrual thing for a dog to enjoy..

Dunno how much I agree with this, what is natural for a dog to enjoy? Especially a "birddog"

Thanks everyone for the great information. I'm looking into some of these books or videos. Any other info anyone has on this please let me know