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- Mar
I am often asked if I think someone should “force fetch” their gun dog as a matter of standard training (even if their particular breed, or individual dog loves to retrieve). My answer is yes. Along with making the retrieve a command, it can do a lot of others things for the dog, like boost their confidence, soften a hard mouth, establish a solid platform for more advanced training, plus it makes for polished, classy field work. Without a doubt, you can take them through the force fetch training and maintain and even strentghten their passion for retrieving.
Above is a photo of a wonderful, big running german shorthaired pointer named Rat during the force fetch training. If a dog is willing to hold this ugly, uncomfortable metal sprinkler, he will hold anything.
March 19th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Big running is right! Thats another story for a different topic. Chris you did a great job on Rat! I trialed him this weekend. And not only do I think you did a great job, but more importantly so do the judges!! His retrieveing scores went from the high 60s low 70s, and jumped to the mid-80s! That is a big big differance. He handled the birds great. He had one that was flapping him in the eye, I could tell he wanted to drop it and that would have cost me alot of points. I said to him HOLD!! He picked up his pace and brought it right to me. A soft OUT and I had the bird. He did that twelve more times perfect. He is running back with the bird faster and in a direct line. I have never force fetched a dog before. From now on they all will be done! Thank you!