Need advise on training my dog

[Down South Gratton]

So I've been training my pup all Summer long getting him ready for this season. He hits the water like a dog on a mission when training at my pond. He did everything for the most part that I ask him to do during training. In the field or in the pond he's good to go. So I thought he was ready for this season. So far I've been on 3 hunts his season in LA and every time I send him for the duck he doesn't want to get in the water. So I end up throwing him in and some times goes and gets the duck and others he swims to the decoys and then back... I've trained him to swim/ run through decoys so he wouldn't grab/ be scared of them moving... I'm looking for ideas/ tips on how to build up his confidence when entering the water at a new place. I would love to send him to a real trainer but I can't afford it on my military pay checks lol... Thanks for any help

[99beers]

So I've been training my pup all Summer long getting him ready for this season. He hits the water like a dog on a mission when training at my pond. He did everything for the most part that I ask him to do during training. In the field or in the pond he's good to go. So I thought he was ready for this season. So far I've been on 3 hunts his season in LA and every time I send him for the duck he doesn't want to get in the water. So I end up throwing him in and some times goes and gets the duck and others he swims to the decoys and then back... I've trained him to swim/ run through decoys so he wouldn't grab/ be scared of them moving... I'm looking for ideas/ tips on how to build up his confidence when entering the water at a new place. I would love to send him to a real trainer but I can't afford it on my military pay checks lol... Thanks for any help

You threw him in the water?? Really?

Have you shocked him with the collar as well while he was in the water?

How old is the pup?

[medic11]

Instead of criticizing the guy, how about you offer him some advice or offer to let him train with you one day ? I'm sure you're just waiting on Evan Graham to show up so you can bash on him.

[99beers]

Instead of criticizing the guy, how about you offer him some advice or offer to let him train with you one day ? I'm sure you're just waiting on Evan Graham to show up so you can bash on him.

lol........just a brief observation. Don't go postal.........

I'm sure Evan will be here shortly to offer his programs for sale.

In the mean time, I would like to see his answers.

[Down South Gratton]

Okay 99 fruity beers, my dog is a little over a year old. And no I don't shock my dog while he's in the water. Do you have any other stupid questions? If I was looking for stupid questions I would have put in the subject " looking for stupid questions". What wrong with helping him into the water... It's not like I'm picking up my 40 lb dog and throwing him across the pond and he's landing in the water on his head. I take more care in my dogs then most. So here a idea just stop waisting people's time. Thanks

[BrettG]

He is really good at wasting people's time and quick to bash but not to help.

You need to expose your dog to as many new places of water as you can, sounds like you did all your training in one pond. With exposure he'll gain confidence. Also, if it's possible hunt with another dog so he can watch. Watching another dog retrieve can trigger competitive juices to flow which helps overcome lack of confidence.

[99beers]

Okay 99 fruity beers, my dog is a little over a year old. And no I don't shock my dog while he's in the water. Do you have any other stupid questions? If I was looking for stupid questions I would have put in the subject " looking for stupid questions". What wrong with helping him into the water... It's not like I'm picking up my 40 lb dog and throwing him across the pond and he's landing in the water on his head. I take more care in my dogs then most. So here a idea just stop waisting people's time. Thanks

I was going to offer some assistance, but I see you got it all figured out.

You said you threw your dog in the water, did you not?? You didn't say you "helped" him in the water. Big difference.

Can't help the clueless.........

Anywho, break down in training. Force fetched?? A WELL TRAINED DOG WITH DESIRE WILL RETRIEVE ANYWHERE, REGARDLESS IF ITS A NEW SPOT OR NOT.

[B3]

Crap, I was hoping 99 beers was going to give advice because I've never seen him give any before. Now his feelings are hurt so the rest of us won't get the benefit of his experience. Thats really too bad

[B3]

He is really good at wasting people's time and quick to bash but not to help.

You need to expose your dog to as many new places of water as you can, sounds like you did all your training in one pond. With exposure he'll gain confidence. Also, if it's possible hunt with another dog so he can watch. Watching another dog retrieve can trigger competitive juices to flow which helps overcome lack of confidence.

This sounds like good advice. When faced with a problem force can be the answer but is not usually what I would try first. Force fetched or not, I would try "positive" motivation first like taking another dog, or maybe taking a fresh shot duck on your hunt and hand tossing it out a few times and praising him for getting it. The new environment of a new place,blinds,dog stands etc can be overwhelming the first time out. I wouldn't throw him in the water like you described but would try other things to lure him into the water.

[medic11]

Down South Gratton if you still have my cell number give me a call and we'll go throw a few ducks this week. If not pm me and I'll send you my number.

[Down South Gratton]

I did all that... I even tried walking out into the water and calling him to me... None has worked... I plan on taking him on hunts with other dog as soon as my buddy gets back into town... Because he has a well trained dog so I'm hoping mine will catch on... And yes I did 99% of all my training in the same pond.

[EvanG]

I did all that... I even tried walking out into the water and calling him to me... None has worked... I plan on taking him on hunts with other dog as soon as my buddy gets back into town... Because he has a well trained dog so I'm hoping mine will catch on... And yes I did 99% of all my training in the same pond.

I see the Bozo alert has already been issued, so let's get to the point. In order to offer a reasoned suggestion it would help to know exactly what tools your pup has to work with. Have you put him through formal Basics? Any Transition? It may help to just list what you've done, item by item, and then we can perhaps clean up what needs it. If you care to email me or call you're welcome to.

Email: rushcreekpress@aol.com
Cell phone: 816-213-9397

Or we can discuss in here on the board, as you like.

EvanG

[cdiamond]

How much training have you done with real ducks (either live or killed/frozen)? With real shooting?

Is this your first dog? What kind of dog do you have pedigree wise?

You could try live shooting over retrieving a Dokken deadfowl. I would also recommend training out of a blind/boat or whatever situation you hunt.

[EvanG]

How much training have you done with real ducks (either live or killed/frozen)? With real shooting?

Is this your first dog? What kind of dog do you have pedigree wise?

You could try live shooting over retrieving a Dokken deadfowl. I would also recommend training out of a blind/boat or whatever situation you hunt.

Those are all good ideas. I would caution you to introduce birds and gunfire in a gentle progression. Once you get to shot flyers you're going to find out quickly how much retriever you have! Take your time.

EvanG