Water entry.

[Chesapeakegunner]

I have a 6 mo old black lab who I am going to hunt waterfowl with. Have had him since 7 weeks and is coming along great. Started collar work and obedience is fairly strong as well. I have been using a remote launcher to get him accustomed to look out in front as well as work on steadiness. I live on the water and will throw bumpers into knee high water and he retrieves fine. This past session we went to a field with a pond and used the launcher to throw a dummy into the middle to simulate a hunting scenario. I sent him and he stopped at the edge of the pond. Any body have this issue before? This is my first dog and I have not forced anything on him. He took to water fine so it's puzzling to me. Same if I throw a bumper off a dock. He stops at the end. Any help would be great.

[Trekmoor]

I think you have asked for too much too soon. Personally, unless a dog shows itself to be water daft from an early age, I build up the depth I ask a dog to go into gradually and also build up the height of bank I send the dog from gradually. Not all dogs like jumping off docks unless there has been a gradual build up of it's willingness to enter swimming depth water and to enter it from anything remotely resembling a foot or two up from the water below.

I have no idea what the water temperatures are at present where you live but around here it is now too cold to give waterwork training to a pup or dog that isn't too keen on water.

Bill T.

[ibbowhunting]

so he Hasn't swam yet? the best advice I have use myself is to use puff Cheetos they float on the water give the dog a Cheeto then toss a few in the water with the wind slowly takeing the away from shore I bet he trys the get them

[gonehuntin']

The further you are from the water, the more tentative a young dog may be on entry. He will also develop the tendency to run around the bank rather than charging straight in. Same with a dock. If they don't jump off the end, they go under and get a snoot full.

Always start a young dog right on the edge of the water so they can't think about it. Keep the water fun and exciting, not a chamber of horrors. Later on you'll water force then bank break him.

[polmaise]

It starts here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpdsdOmyuA8
and ends up here

Water retrieve.jpg

[polmaise]

It's the same with other breeds

water retrieve Spaniel.jpg

[SwitchGrassWPG]

First time at this location/pond? If so, then most likely the fact it is someplace new and unsure.

Not all dogs are meant to have a leaping water entry...much more for show than utility. I think there is much more potential for injury if you don't know about underwater hazards at a new location. Wading out to a dog that has impaled itself on something doesn't sound very appealing.

My .02.

Jay

[gonehuntin']

First time at this location/pond? . I think there is much more potential for injury if you don't know about underwater hazards at a new location. Wading out to a dog that has impaled itself on something doesn't sound very appealing.

My .02.

Jay

Jay, I had one of my labs die like that. He landed on a sunken log and ruptured a kidney. He died before we ever knew there wad anything wrong with him.

[polmaise]

First time at this location/pond? . I think there is much more potential for injury if you don't know about underwater hazards at a new location. Wading out to a dog that has impaled itself on something doesn't sound very appealing.

My .02.

Jay

Jay, I had one of my labs die like that. He landed on a sunken log and ruptured a kidney. He died before we ever knew there wad anything wrong with him.

Now that there is just Sad .

[CDN_Cocker]

Bit late in the year to be introducing water. It's December man. Water introductions should happen in the summer in warm temps. Would you jump in there?

[gundogguy]

Bit late in the year to be introducing water. It's December man. Water introductions should happen in the summer in warm temps. Would you jump in there?

+1 Cass Unless you live in So.Cal or Florida Winter has hit every where in USA.
On entrys we usually say "Drive for show, putt for dough" Whatever keeps the dog on the best line to the mark or blind is good for me!

[Sharon]

Never had a dog that didn't like to swim. I start them off when pups ; they don't want you leaving them so will swim to you for sure.

[Fran Seagren]

We never put a puppy in the water when it's cold. Meaning, unless you are near water and the pup just runs in on its own, we don't toss a bumper or bird to encourage swimming when its cold. We don't train the big dogs in cold water either. Hunting ducks is different. Dogs that are already accustomed to water retrieves aren't going to get a bad water attitude when hunting. Matter of fact, a lot of hunters have neoprene vests for their retrievers because the dogs can get hypothermia in cold weather and water.

As some others have also mentioned, take small steps with the water retrieves. First teach the retrieves on land, then go to water. At first, only toss the bumper a foot or two in front of the pup's nose. If the pup does well, toss the next one a little further into the water. Even on land, it takes experience for a pup to learn to "look out there" for the mark. And, water is a new game - be sure and make it fun. Some dogs just jump right in and swim like they were born knowing how. Other pups go through all sorts of learning calamities. Some try and "walk" on top of the water. Other's try and stand up on their hind legs.

Absolutely don't rush getting your pup to swim. The worst thing you can do is force your dog into the water. And, I'm not talking the "force" associated with "de-cheating" and more advanced retriever training. About 20 years ago we sold a lab puppy to a couple that lived on a lake. The guy didn't realize he should "make swimming fun" for his new pup. When she hesitated to go in the lake, he decided to toss her in off the dock. The dog ended up with a fear of the water and wouldn't go swimming - ever.

Once they "think" something is fun (swimming), they believe it forever.

Our older red setter, Ruby, was the most interesting "swimmer" I've ever seen. As a puppy, we tried everything to get her to swim. She would only go in the water up to her chest - no more. We used our other dogs as encouragement and competition to no avail. I had almost given up that she would swim when one day I was working with a friend's lab pup. We were standing on the bank and tossing a dead duck into a slough. I had one of my labs retrieving it when the puppy hesitated. My husband had Ruby on a lead and was watching from about 10 yards behind us. All of a sudden, Ruby breaks loose from Scott, runs past us and "labrador leaps" into the water, swims out to pick up the duck and brings it back to the shore! My jaw dropped. Ruby had never taken one single stroke swimming before. Ever since that day, it's impossible to keep Ruby out of the water. Any water we're around she is the first dog in every time. Go figure!

Have fun training your new pup.

[Del Lolo]

I have a 6 mo old black lab who I am going to hunt waterfowl with. Have had him since 7 weeks and is coming along great. Started collar work and obedience is fairly strong as well. I have been using a remote launcher to get him accustomed to look out in front as well as work on steadiness. I live on the water and will throw bumpers into knee high water and he retrieves fine.

What training program are you following ?

[Chesapeakegunner]

Thanks for the info guys. I live in MD and we have had pretty mild weather until now. The day I was working in the pond was about 50 degrees and had been warm that week. I am not forcing anything on him but was a little disappointed that Zeke being almost 7 mo and showing a ton of drive in knee high water did not want to go off the bank. I am going to continue with obedience and land marks and when the weather is right use waders and coax him in that way showing him it's ok. He jumps around on the bank in a playful why so I don't think I have to worry about him being afraid of the water, he will follow me in and swim until I get out. That's why I was a little surprised. Maybe working with him off a boat later on will help too. I plan to start his force fetch program sooner than later. I am following a few books as well as online info for my training. Any info on training regimes is great being this is my first dog.

[Chesapeakegunner]

I'm using a couple books such as "water dog" and other various regimes I found online.

[EvanG]

I have a 6 mo old black lab who I am going to hunt waterfowl with. Have had him since 7 weeks and is coming along great. Started collar work and obedience is fairly strong as well. I have been using a remote launcher to get him accustomed to look out in front as well as work on steadiness. I live on the water and will throw bumpers into knee high water and he retrieves fine. This past session we went to a field with a pond and used the launcher to throw a dummy into the middle to simulate a hunting scenario. I sent him and he stopped at the edge of the pond. Any body have this issue before? This is my first dog and I have not forced anything on him. He took to water fine so it's puzzling to me. Same if I throw a bumper off a dock. He stops at the end. Any help would be great.

There are several comments that could apply here, but I'm wondering if you're taking this pup through formal Basics? What program are you using? Has he been water forced?

EvanG

[Chesapeakegunner]

I have a 6 mo old black lab who I am going to hunt waterfowl with. Have had him since 7 weeks and is coming along great. Started collar work and obedience is fairly strong as well. I have been using a remote launcher to get him accustomed to look out in front as well as work on steadiness. I live on the water and will throw bumpers into knee high water and he retrieves fine. This past session we went to a field with a pond and used the launcher to throw a dummy into the middle to simulate a hunting scenario. I sent him and he stopped at the edge of the pond. Any body have this issue before? This is my first dog and I have not forced anything on him. He took to water fine so it's puzzling to me. Same if I throw a bumper off a dock. He stops at the end. Any help would be great.

There are several comments that could apply here, but I'm wondering if you're taking this pup through formal Basics? What program are you using? Has he been water forced?

EvanG

I havent forced fetched or any training like that yet. He has had basic obidience and some collar work. He responds great to here and is steady at heel before he is sent on a retrive. Still needs a lot of work. I have been using the books "water dog" and "ten minute retriever" for help along with online articles/forums. Any help or training info would be great.

[Munster]

First time at this location/pond? . I think there is much more potential for injury if you don't know about underwater hazards at a new location. Wading out to a dog that has impaled itself on something doesn't sound very appealing.

My .02.

Jay

Jay, I had one of my labs die like that. He landed on a sunken log and ruptured a kidney. He died before we ever knew there wad anything wrong with him.

Yup, I would never encourage an entry like this. To much stuff under the water that we cant see. Beavers are bad around here. I want a nice quiet and quick entry.

[EvanG]

I havent forced fetched or any training like that yet. He has had basic obidience and some collar work. He responds great to here and is steady at heel before he is sent on a retrive. Still needs a lot of work. I have been using the books "water dog" and "ten minute retriever" for help along with online articles/forums. Any help or training info would be great.

You bet! Given the age of your dog, and your stated goals, this is an ideal time to begin formal Basics. The programs in your books will not cover this vitally important set of skills. Here's what Basics looks like by Flow Chart.

The components of Basics in order

1) “Here”
2) “Heel & Sit”
3) “Hold”; automatically evolves to Walking “Hold, Heel, Sit”
4) “Fetch”; ear pinch, which evolves into Walking “Fetch” & “Fetch-no-fetch”, e-collar conditioning to “Fetch”
5) Pile work, including Mini-pile, Nine bumper pile; AKA Force to pile
6) 3-handed casting; teaching the 3 basic casts – “Back” and both “Over’s”, including 2-hands “Back”
7) Mini tee; includes collar conditioning to all basic commands, transferring to the go, stop, cast functions in micro dimension as preparation for the Single tee. Also includes De-bolting
8 ) Single tee
9) Double tee
10) Water tee with Swim-by

You may not be familiar yet with all the terms, but I can help you with that, and the "how to" of it. This coursework normally takes about 6 months. By spring when the water is warm enough, you should be ready for Water Force & Swim-by. Stay in order as much as conditions will allow. My email is rushcreekpress@aol.com

EvanG

[deke]

It's the same with other breeds

water retrieve Spaniel.jpg

That spaniel looks photoshopped

[polmaise]

It's the same with other breeds

water retrieve Spaniel.jpg

That spaniel looks photoshopped

You don't know how that makes me feel ''deke'' !
Wish I took the pic?...but my good friend Yellowdogphotgraphy did!..and she ain't nothing to be photoshopped!..

[deke]

It's the same with other breeds

water retrieve Spaniel.jpg

That spaniel looks photoshopped

You don't know how that makes me feel ''deke'' !
Wish I took the pic?...but my good friend Yellowdogphotgraphy did!..and she ain't nothing to be photoshopped!..

very impressive no matter who took the picture, wish I could get a good action shot like that.

[crackerd]

very impressive no matter who took the picture, wish I could get a good action shot like that.

You could - at a fair price, Polmaise exports rocket fuel (his own brand of Scottish scrumpy) for that kind of liftoff -



- but it's sold strictly by the imperial swigging jug and only works on British (and Scottish) dogs...

MG

[polmaise]

Scott.jpg

Cracker'd requires a platform , mine just go from any launching pad

[Vonzeppelinkennels]

Who says Field Trial bred GSPS don't like water? & white ones at that!

[birdshot]

Just a tad more lift on those dogs, and you could leave shotgun at home. That Shorthair doesn't like water. He is trying to make the retrieve without swiming.

[polmaise]

Just a tad more lift on those dogs, and you could leave shotgun at home.

Just about !!! ..This is one of them Big heavy overweight Brit labs

june.jpg

[deke]

Just a tad more lift on those dogs, and you could leave shotgun at home.

Just about !!! ..This is one of them Big heavy overweight Brit labs

june.jpg

Looks just like my little lab. Wish I was handier with the camera. Now I have a mission though.

[Chesapeakegunner]

First water retrieve! No more hesitation here! Real birds do wonders I guess. Had zeke out this past weekend and he didnt blink at the frozen creek we hunted.

zeke.JPG

[birdshot]

Nice photo. Sounds like you have a water dog.