Should I be worried? (dog related)

[webbmaster]

I took my 11 month old female lab hunting for the first time this past weekend. (actually, I took her dove huntin a couple of times and she seemed to enjoy that and retrieved a few birds and was not gun shy).

Plenty of ducks for her to retrieve this past weekend. I am concerned with her lack of enthusiasm. On one hand, she handled herself quite well. She didn't "whine" because of the conditions, nor did she break. She wasn't gun shy. She manueverd quite well in the boat. She likes to swim.

She picked up birds once she found them and brought them back with an occasional release of the bird before bringing to my hand. This may have been a result of the bird being too big for her mouth, or just the curiosity of some birds still being alive.

I guess my question is if I am expecting too much. My main fundamental problem is when I let her go ont he retrieve ("back") she doesn't seem to burst out at a rapid pace. This could be a result of her not being able to see the bird fall in addtion to the weeds and brush in th water, along with decoys.

Again, I am probably expecting too much from her. She will get plenty of hunts this year, but what can I do fundamental-wise so I won't have to walk half way into the decoy spread to help her?
Thanks in advance!

[duckbeagle]

I'm no expert by any stretch but I've had some good dogs.

I believe you're OK, dog is still young. She had no ideal what to expect. Duck hunting is a long, long way from dove hunting and training. Can you imagine the "shock" she experienced this being her first first duck hunt? As her comfort level grows she'll become more enthused. Even at that a smart old dog won't "jump" into something until he knows what he's jumping into. Rather have a dog that retrieves "best way" instead of a classical leap into the water like you see in the movies. It's good for show, but not hunting. Can be dangerous to the dog and to you under certain conditions.

Too, your dog is young at 11 months. A lot of ole timey hunters wouldn't seriously train their dog, except for obedience, until they got about a year old. Of course you want a good dog, but don't expect too much too soon. Just like humans it takes time to become a good duck hunter. Doesn't happen on the first trip. For this season I'd concentrate on her while hunting and let your buddies do most of the "hunting' stuff.

As far as dropping the bird, it is probably like you said too. Work on it out in the yard with your dummy making sure she doesn't drop it there. Then stay on top of her the next hunt. It's not a big deal if you stay on top of it and don't let it become a persistent problem.

Don't give a damn what the professionals say. I want my dog to be my buddy, my partner. Don't want or expect a perfect duck hunting machine. I ain't. Working with your dog the first season to correct the "little things" is one of the joys and realities of having Labs ( guess other breeds are the same way too).

[BR549]

I agree, don't expect too much to early. I won't even put my dog in cold water or the rigors of duck hunting till they are at least two years old. Best way to ruin one and make it timid is to push to much while they are still young. Teach your dog manners and make it your best friend first the rest will come naturally. You only get about 3-4 great years out of a good dog. They spend the first 3-4 learning and then the last 3-4 their getting to old so you still have to slow down. I never open my mouth to my dog. She just works at her own pace. She pays attentention to the sound of a duck hitting the water and just goes after it. After a while they will get to where they will even stop when you start calling. You just got to teach them just like your kid. Don't push the envelope!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
good luck

[Lab4U]

This is your pup and only you can decide what you want from and make of this dog. But you asked and I'll share a "straight forward" thought with you.
You have already made a mistake by not "force fetching" your dog at approximately 6 months. That process sets the stage for the world of retrieving for all young retrievers with the ability to be more than just a "meat dog" . Now there is nothing wrong with a meat dog, if that's what you want. The dog will still be loyal (when your best friend or wife is not), glad to see you (always), and go fishing and hunting with you (anytime). But there is more if your dog is capable.
Example= a sudden flight come into decoys. All hunters shot with several ducks killed cleanly in plan view (shooters must be using some other kind of shot). Dog was steady and leaves when you sent him. On the way to first retriever (about 60 yards out) you see one of the downed birds pop up and start for the brush. You whistle stop your dog and send him for the bird which has just made the brush (dog did not see bird go to the brush- thus a "blind retrieve" off of a mark in plan view).
Will an 11 month old retriever do this? Most probably not, but "force fetching" sets the stage for a blind retrieve and eventually a "posion bird" blind retriever (second or third season stuff). This is not special stuff, these situations happen everyday! And it's up to you to educate your dog with "building blocks of education"...
[u]Enjoy this season and enjoy your retriever. Most probably simple singles and open water multiple marks. But get involved with a retriever club in or near your area. UKC/HRC or AKC. Great people and great times with your retriever. Training groups will help you and your dog. I'm not putting you or your dog down, but it sounds like you've got a really good dog- allow him "to be all he can be". E-mail me privately and I'll give you clubs, names, etc in your area. Good Luck, and have a Great Season. sc [/b]

[walt333ms]

Sam my 12 year ole lab,....and he went this weekend did great...but he is almost deaf...anyway...acording to almost everyone who has been around sam says he is "once in a lifetime dog"...u get to see a dog like that only about one time....the point is....

many Hunters take too much time in the mechanics and training ,,,and even "force " breaking ....bull___________.......

work the dog make him mind...but also make it fun....

1>>>>have a work area...and work throws...ect...at that time, place and with these dummies it is business......strictly business.....



2...have a play area that lets u have fun...take a throw..attach a wing too it tease the dog...let him jump..,,,catch... run...grab...tease,,,toss it ...ect...just let him play after something that he loves.......

this will help a lot to return some spunk...and fun to him....
he can act like a dog....not having to be woried about doing something wrong,,,,,

just a thought.....

uncle walt and sam...very tired this am

[Drakeshead]

I agree with Lab4u on this one. Many people think "force fetching" is a bunch of bull, but I disagree. I do not agree on it being "force fetching" as your dog, or any lab for that matter, should already have the natural instinct to retrieve. I like to call it "command fetching". You want your dog to fetch on command and hold on command. Being in your hunting spot and sending your dog out on a retrieve, either marked or blind, and the dog getting half way out and decided, "the heck with this", and turning back around is only going to make you mad. Now not only are you disappointed in your dog, but now you have to go out and get that bird and lets hope it was a clean kill. If your dog has been taught to "command fetch", she will get that bird as that is what she has been taught to do. I do not agree with the previous response of a "duck hunting machine". If you are not wanting a duck hunting machine, then leave your dog at home. Me, I want a buddy, but I also want a duck hunting partner and when we are hunting, that is what we are doing, hunting. All games are off. I get rewarded for making a good shot and my dog gets rewarded when he comes back with the bird. I will agree that you should not expect too much from your pup right now, but I would start the command fetching as soon you get a chance. I commend your pup on staying steady, but right, during training sessions, I would let her go full force. Get the drive back in her. Through the dummy and immediately let her take off. Steading is easy to train, drive isn't.

Well, this is my thoughts and were not intended to offend anyone.

[peewee]

sam says he is "once in a lifetime dog".

I can vouch for that, any dog that goes and gets you a beer is a once and a lifetime dog. Walt send me an email and tell me how you did this weekend.

[judge jb]

i think that me and Walt are some of the old timers refered too. we both have old black labs with grey muzzles and that special bond... they will never be replaced by another dog... lucky for us we got the dog of a lifetime early.....

let your dog grow old with you... you will be suprised what they learn from watching you.....

judge jb

[chance]

Dropping the bird is trainining--or the lack of. Dogs are trained to fetch and hold on command. It is undesirable for a retrever to drop a bird before delivering to your hand. Hunting short for a bird that was not seen to fall is also a lack of training. Retrievers are trained to go where sent and to follow hand casts to get them to a bird they may not have seen fall.
At 11 months, with the proper training you could expect your dog to deliver to hand. The "blind" retrieves wold require a bit more training time. Carry a sack of rocks to encourage your dog to keep going on those retrieves. Throwing them and creating a splash in line with the bird usually keeps them going on the retrieve. You probably will still have to get out of the blind if the retrieve is of any distance.
Look for a retriever club in your area. There is one close. Join and get with the training group. You and your dog will be better for it.

[goosebruce]

Webbmaster.... all you can hope for right now is to not make bad habits. Taking a dog hunting, and being happy she isn't gun shy, and did kinda ok on birds, etc., doesn't make sense. Your dog deserves the chance to experience all those things before hand, when she's the center of attention and you can stop and work with her. Putting her in a blind with several guys and shooting a gun and saying, hey great, she isn't gunshy, isn't fair. These things should have happened in preseason training, not opening day. Be fair to her, and let her come on, and remember that she is the most important part of every hunt this year. If you cant do that, leave her at home that day. And no matter whut, be proud of her, and don't mad if she doesnt do what she cant possbily know. Get a pocket full of rocks, and a rope. Cause she hasnt broke yet... she will once she gets the hang of everything. Never let her break, and you wont have to 'fix' a breaking problem.

Most of the guys that responded mean the best, but they are full of $#!+ for the most part. Anyone who would say they don't want a duck hunting machine also says more than a mouthful of tidy is a waste. We all want big hooters, and kick ass dogs. Why would anyone want their dog to be anything less than it can be? The obvious answer is they don't, it's simply an excuse. As far as being a buddy, your welcome to watch my duck hunting machine at work... he also licks my face when the hunt is through. Why people think a well mannered dog isn't loved, or loves their owners is beyond me. It also works with kids that way too. You can make them behave, and they still love you. I guess feller above doesn't want honor students either.

A seprate area for work and happy? Dam glad i aint your dog. Why would you not let your dog have fun while training? My dog, and most well behaved dogs, love to train. They are more than happy to work. The very defiention of a working dog, is a dog that is bred to work, correct? A dog should be happy to go to work, and a dog should be constantly watched on his attitude when training. Dogs don't do good work, or learn well, when they aren't upbeat. if you bring a dog down while training, and think picking him up after the fact is the ticket, you're making it way too hard on yourself, and the dog.

It does not take 3 or 4 seasons to have a dog that pulls his weight. It takes time with your dog, and effort put into it. Simply taking a dog hunting, and letting him learn the ropes (and as many bad habits as good ones) won't cut it, unless you are truely gifted in time to hunt and a dog as well. And if you have a dog that great, or that much time, why would you want to waste half a dogs life to make him a hunter? It's simple, train your dog.

Oh no... my duck hunting robot machine dog is waggin his tail again... I better put a stop to that, for sure! bwhahahahahahaha. travis

[dukdawgn]

Not wanting a full-race, balls-to-the-wall dog is like accepting mediocrity. Why not want to make your dog proud of himself? I like the fact that my dog thinks every last bird is his, and that he can't live without yanking that bird out of the water. But I also like the fact that he can sit thru six different guns firing 3 shots each, mark down 4 or 5 birds, and when I tell him to, round up all the chickens when the smoke clears. And as for that one that didn't quite want to join the party, saying "Back" and watching him lunge hard as he can, in a line, for 100 or so yards sure beats walking after that bird myself 'cuz fat people can't handle that kinda exercise.

The rocks tactic is good, but only good enough to battle thru that morning. It shouldn't be viewed as a "means to an end" of the problem. To many bad habits can be formed when teaching out of a hunting scheme. Best thing to do, is go home and TEACH there. When ready, go TEST in a moderate hunting location. When sure of each other, go hunting together.