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I have a 2 year old black female that was trained everyday for the first 10 months of her life. Then I had my first child and things needless to say changed. What are your guys opinions on going back and picking up where we left off? Can I force fetch my dog at this point? I have done sparatic sills with her over the last year, but not much. Her ob is great. Thanks guys.

I taught my lab how to handle at 6 yrs old. I think once you teach them how to learn as a puppy they are easily taught the rest of their lives.

erikhsuval wrote:I have a 2 year old black female that was trained everyday for the first 10 months of her life. Then I had my first child and things needless to say changed. What are your guys opinions on going back and picking up where we left off? Can I force fetch my dog at this point? I have done sparatic sills with her over the last year, but not much. Her ob is great. Thanks guys.

Yes. In fact you may have ensured that through those first important 10 months. You not only trained during that time, but more importantly in doing so you taught your dog how to learn. That's important. Keep your training structured, but patient and balanced with marks as much as possible. Be thorough, and make sure you go through the entire process - all the way through force to pile.

Do you have a program to follow?

EvanG

Thanks for the advice, I was lucky enough to train with some great people early in her years so she does have a great foundation. Most of her training was done with Alan copiah creek. I have forced fetch my two previous dogs as well using mostly a smart works program I suppose. I am starting this force fetch on the ground instead of using a table. A. I think this will speed up the process. B. I hope to eliminate any transition problems once off the table.

Good plan. I used a forcing table at times when I trained client's dogs, but only to ease the wear and tear on my (former paramedic) back. I haven't used one in a long time. Starting on the ground precludes that transition. I actually sit on a bucket for the first portion, and stay with that until we begin Walking Fetch.

EvanG

Sure.I get them in that old frequently.