Gun dog training?

[Ron H.]

Greetings, all:

Our Lab mix pup needs a job, and naturally hunting has been suggested. Thing is, I know nothing about training a dog to hunt--what little training knowledge I have centers around basic obedience and just making a good family pet. We have an obedience trainer we've worked with and like, but she doesn't do field training. Also, I haven't hunted in years, so am somewhat out of those loops.

What all is involved in training a gun dog? I assume we'll need to find a trainer, both for the dog and for us. Is there an ideal age/stage of development to start? What training does she (and I) need as prerequisites? What are the differences in training between upland birds and waterfowl? Can one dog be trained for both? (FWIW, I'm more interested in upland than waterfowl.) Any good trainers in the Denver area?

As a little background, Sadie (the pup) is nine months old, healthy, very bouncy, and very fast. She's a black Lab mix (mixed with what we don't know, but she looks all Lab) and is somewhat small at about 50 pounds. She's smart, bold, very willful and has been a training challenge from Day 1. She knows her basic commands (sit, down, stay, heel, come, etc.), but like any adolescent, sometimes has her own ideas about whether to obey or not. She has very little experience with swimming, but seemed to do well on her few forays thus far. She doesn't quite get the concept of "fetch"; she likes to chase and get the ball, but isn't so good about bringing it back or dropping it. She's rather possessive, in fact--she usually won't let it go without a treat.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

[Stonecove]

Ron, First off I am not training expert, but I have had 2 Labs. First I would recommend getting a 50 foot check cord. Cabelas sells orange ones that are easy to see. Buy a couple of retriever bumbers with the throwing knobs attached or get a duck bumper made by Dokken
Dokken Ducks -- Deadfowl Retriever Trainers.
Then get a video or a book by one of the experts such as Hickox or Lardy or the classic Water Dogs by Richard Walters.Dog Training Books and Magazines.
Read the books, watch the videos and keep the check cord tied to your retrieving machine. The check cord is what makes him bring the bumber to you, not treats. The way you are using the treats, he has taught you to give him treats when he is bad and playing keep-away. Don't use the treats.
Go slow, 10 minutes in a session, a couple of sessions a day if possible. When he gets bored stop. Always finish on a positive. Don't punish him for a lack of retrieve by stoping the session. Make him do something good to finish.
Again I am no expert, but my 1 year old sounded just like yours and she is now quite reliable. If your dog is reliably coming when called, you have a big part of the battle won. You just need her to understand there is no option but coming when called, even with a ball or a bumper in her chops.
Also, you can get professional help for free from a local Labrador Retriever Club. Where are you, I may be able to point you in a direction. The Huron Labrador Retriever club in southern Michigan is open to the public for training 1 Saturday a month. It costs $10.00 and they have everything you need to get started, plus a lot of good advice.
Have patience and do not get mad at your dog, which can be the hardest part of this whole thing.
Once you give your dog a job that you can do every day, he will become a better part of your family.
My Dog Bailey asks to go "play ducks" twice a day and she gets a good work out. Once you get making progress you can make the sessions longer to wear her out more.
Good luck, let me know if you have questions.
Stonecove

[Pete99004]

Originally Posted by Ron H.

Greetings, all:

Our Lab mix pup needs a job, and naturally hunting has been suggested. Thing is, I know nothing about training a dog to hunt--what little training knowledge I have centers around basic obedience and just making a good family pet. We have an obedience trainer we've worked with and like, but she doesn't do field training. Also, I haven't hunted in years, so am somewhat out of those loops.

What all is involved in training a gun dog? I assume we'll need to find a trainer, both for the dog and for us. Is there an ideal age/stage of development to start? What training does she (and I) need as prerequisites? What are the differences in training between upland birds and waterfowl? Can one dog be trained for both? (FWIW, I'm more interested in upland than waterfowl.) Any good trainers in the Denver area?

As a little background, Sadie (the pup) is nine months old, healthy, very bouncy, and very fast. She's a black Lab mix (mixed with what we don't know, but she looks all Lab) and is somewhat small at about 50 pounds. She's smart, bold, very willful and has been a training challenge from Day 1. She knows her basic commands (sit, down, stay, heel, come, etc.), but like any adolescent, sometimes has her own ideas about whether to obey or not. She has very little experience with swimming, but seemed to do well on her few forays thus far. She doesn't quite get the concept of "fetch"; she likes to chase and get the ball, but isn't so good about bringing it back or dropping it. She's rather possessive, in fact--she usually won't let it go without a treat.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

Hi Ron - check with your locale Kennel Clubs they should be able to steer you in the right direction - or the Denver Lab Ret. Club - you can find the contacts at the AKC Breed Club listings at the following link. Good Luck, nothing more fun the being in the field watching your dogs work.

http://www.akc.org/club_search/index...1&club_id=2276

Mark P.