Gun Dog Forum

I am curious about the different styles and techniques used for FF training on English Pointers. I have owned GSPs who were FF with the E Collar only and did quite well after a few weeks. I have an English Pointer that did not respond well to E Collar or ear pinch but came around perfect to the toe hitch then E collar. In the areas where I hunt Pheasant (South East PA) you are in for a rough day if your dog cannot fetch downed birds because of the cover which makes FF a necessity in a lot of situations.

Has anyone, pro or amateur, had to change methods on the EP or any pointer for that matter while in the process of FF and if so what information can you provide in terms of your process?

I have NEVER changed methods, only varied the pressure. Hold on jowls, ear pinch, stick fetch, ecollar. Same program for every dog.

I use the toe hitch and endeavor to keep sessions short and use as much praise as force, if the tail is high and the dog ends each session zippy up and down the table I know I'm in a good place with the dog.

I have had to change my methods on a few EP's. Some were very tough and getting them to open their mouth and take the buck was very difficult. Jerry Simmons is the best force fetch trainer I have ever met and I spoke to him about this. I know he will adjust his technique to suit a particular dog and he has FF'd more dogs than I ever will.

gonehuntin' wrote:I have NEVER changed methods, only varied the pressure. Hold on jowls, ear pinch, stick fetch, ecollar. Same program for every dog.

Exactly. Same proven program, adapted for the individual dog, not for the breed. Breed generalities are over rated. Train the dog you're training.

EvanG

I have been using positive reinforcement and it is working great. I was going to force fetch Moxy when a friend told me how she puts a fetch on all the dogs she rescues. Real simple and didn't think it would work, but Moxy's a retrieving fool now. Cinna had a mouth like a vice and used to literally eat birds when she could. I've been dabbling in it with her, training a day or two a week for several weeks, and now she'll fetch a phez wing from across the living room with enthusiasm and as soft a mouth as I could ask for.