Table of Contents
How to Have the Best Trained Gun Dog

Excerpt from Chapter Four, Basic Steps of Force Retrieving

"...For all retrieving exercises always be sure that the object (dummy, bird, gloved hand, dead bird) is placed in the dog's mouth carefully so he's  comfortable, and the object is not causing pain. A quick and easy solution is to run your bare fingers around his gums, making sure the dummy is not pressing his gums or his tongue down onto his teeth-ouch!

Step 1.  The dog tolerates your hand in his mouth.

Attach the leash to the dog's collar and have him sit beside your left knee. Then gently drop the leash and take hold of his mouth with your left hand. Using your thumb and middle finger, press against the side of his lips so he opens his mouth. Say "Fetch" and immediately put your gloved right hand, palm up, into his mouth (Photo 1). The backward movement of his head is prevented with your left hand. Keep your hand in the dog's mouth for 10 seconds (count silently to yourself).

Be sure to use a soft glove such as a gardening glove. (The right hand should not be inside the dog's mouth further than 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch behind the canine teeth.) After a few seconds, say the command "give" or "out" and withdraw your gloved right hand. Encourage the dog with quiet praise. Repeat this step until he tolerates your hand for up to 60 seconds. Increase the time gradually: 10 seconds, 20 seconds, and 30 seconds up to 60. (See Photo 2.)

Limit the training session to only 10 minutes. If you don't succeed in the dog tolerating your hand for 60 seconds within the 10-minute session do it for a length of time that the dog will tolerate, and continue at the next session until the dog will tolerate your gloved hand for 60 seconds.

Photo 1. The proper way to put your gloved hand into the dog's mouth.

 

Photo 2. The dog holds your gloved hand in his mouth-10 seconds the first time.

Step 2.  The dog tolerates the wood dummy and other dummies in his mouth.

Use the same position as in Step 1, but use the wood dummy instead. (See Photo 3.)  Make sure the dummy does not pinch his gums or lips. When he holds the wood dummy for up to 60 seconds, use the stuffed skins of different birds. This may take up to two days.

Step 3.  The dog holds the dummy and a stuffed bird skin.

As soon as the dog tolerates the hand, dummy, and stuffed bird, stroke the top of his head gently a few times with soft praise while looking directly into his eyes. (See Photo 3.) Professional trainers know that this makes the dog concentrate on you. Be alert if the dog attempts to drop the object, by using your left hand on the collar immediately to stop it, and quickly give the command "Fetch."

As training progresses, remove the right hand carefully from the dummy with the command "fetch." (See Photo 4.) Anticipate your dog's every attempt to drop or discard the dummy by quickly using your right hand to stop him, combined with the repeated command "fetch." And remember to always say the command "give" each time you want him to release the dummy into your hand.

Five to twenty repetitions will be necessary to bring the dog to the point where he will hold a dummy or stuffed bird for about one minute. In between these repetitions you should practice the sit and heel. It is extremely important to have frequent variation to avoid boredom in the dog and to relieve any tension. Frequent variety requires the dog to pay strict attention, and to concentrate on the Boss.

For example you can have the dog hold the dummy or bird for 60 seconds. Then switch to walking around, heeling for three or four minutes. Then come back to step 3 and continue for 5 more minutes.

Usually three days at the most will be required for the first three steps. Some dogs and some trainers can do it in one day, but whether it takes you one day or three days, or even longer is not important. What is important is to avoid all intimidation. The pressure is quiet, determined and direct, but without great harshness. On the other hand give lavish praise as soon as the dog complies with your wishes.

Photo 3.  Place the light wooden dummy into the dog's mouth.

 

Photo 4. The dog holds the dummy while your left hand softly pets him. Your right hand held is held under his chin as a visual aid to prevent him from dropping the dummy.

For a successful hunting dog it is especially important that the dog releases or gives the dummy only on the verbal command "give." Anticipating the give when the dog sees your hand must not become a signal for him to release (give) the dummy. Here is how to avoid sloppy retrieves: back to top