New Duck Hunter In Training

Hi All,

Thought I would post a pic of a new duck hunter / jugline retrieval device that just came to live with us. I named him Gator, wanted to name him Amos Moses but that's his Dad's name, so I called him Gator. As much as he likes to chew on EVERYTHING that he can fit in his mouth, his name fits. I brought him home at 6 weeks of age, he's 8 weeks now and has bonded to me very well. He's been out on the boat all day several times so far, his kennel fits perfectly in a wind blocked area. A few times a day I have to bank the boat so he can get out and do his business, other than that he seems to enjoy the ride. At this age he is staying in his kennel while on the boat. The water temp is 38 degrees, I don't want him falling in.

I have lots of experience training for AKC obediance trials but this is the first retriever I've had and I have no experience training a hunting dog. I've picked up a few DVD's on the subject but I'll take any good advice I can get from those that have been through this process before.

Nice looking duck hunter you got there.

Thanks! He's doing really well, at least I think he is, I really have nothing to compare him to. We have had more snow this year than any year since the state was formed, almost 27 inches! So I've not been able to work with him outside much, but he will fetch and bring back his small training dummy, he just seemed to know what to do. His house training is going well, and I've gotten him used to the leash. Hope the snows melts soon.

You've got a leg, kinda like him in the months to come! :p

Really, having sound obedience training is crucial in the development of a great bird dog. You'll learn a lot from vids, no doubt. Even though you've been stuck inside, since he's so little, the games of fetch are plenty right now. You don't want him to get too far from you anyway. Once outside, you may or may not need a check cord depending on how his attention span.

Keep you fetch sessions short. Even if you can tell he really wants it, that's when you know is a good time to stop. It's hard not to want to keep it going, but 4 to 6 tosses are plenty, right now. You want him to treat retrieving as the treat. It makes them want it that much more. When he brings it back, don't get caught in a game of tug! Just lay your hand out. It may not be immediate, but they know that your hand is the thing that tosses what he likes to retrieve. Natural instincts will soon come into play and he will almost be pushing it into your hand. I think you understand the advantages of this tactic versus letting him even know what tugging is! If he's not responding to training on a particular day, just end it. Most times their drive will correct this problem. Much better than any harsh treatments, even though an ear pinch is an attetion getter. :)

Avery outdoors has 2 DVD's by danny farmer and judy aycott. judy is from texoma lake area, right now as your pup gets older throw lots of marks. find a good training program to follow and dont skip around. but most important keep him happy and throw marks. I have 3 labs, 2 are AKC Qualifyed all age. and are great hunting dogs.

Evan Graham's Smart Fetch series is what I use. Easy to follow and layed out to where you can build pup's talents as you go. Always quit on a positive note. If he doesn't quite get to where you want in a session, let him do something he's good at before you quit. The biggest thing right now, to me, is not over working him, and not letting him develop bad habits. Bad habits are easier to avoid than fix. Good luck with him, and I hope you both enjoy the journey.