Shutting down in FF

[freezeland]

My dog is six months. I first taught hold, and he is very proficient with that. I have been working on FF now for about 12 days and I have been able to transition the bumper to the ground. I am now working on walk fetch for the last 4 or 5 days. In walk fetch he refuses to fetch and avoids the bumper completly without an ear pinch, and so I apply ear pinch and force the fetch. While doing so he reaches down and puts the bumper in his mouth and then just stands there head down on the ground after I release the pinch with the bumper in his mouth and doesn't move unless I command sit, or pull his head up by the collar, or command heel and continue walking. He just seems to be shutting down from the ear pinch with head on ground after the fetch during walk fetch. Is this normal response?


He is CC and I am thinking of transitioning to the ecollar now instead of continuing with the ear pinch, and completly bypass stick fetch, I know he knows what I want. I am also considering just stopping FF for a week or so and step back altogether and start over. Thoughts on what to do please would be appreciated.

[copterdoc]

I think that you are moving to the next step, before thoroughly completing the previous one.

[Howard N]

If he is real confused about the whole process, then a week or two break could help him. But, if he got the ff and then the ff on the ground, I'd keep on ff'ing. During walking fetch, I'd pinch until his lips were around the bumper, let go of his ear but keep hold of his collar and keep on walking. If he dropped the bumper, go back to ear pinch, he has no choice but to follow you as you are pulling him along. If he won't heel and hold at the same time, work on that without the fetch off the ground. Matter of fact, work on him holding the bumper while you do all obedience drills. (sit, heel, come, down etc). You could have left a hole there.

[copterdoc]

You really need to find some experienced help. It's a hands-on learning process.

[freezeland]

If he is real confused about the whole process, then a week or two break could help him. But, if he got the ff and then the ff on the ground, I'd keep on ff'ing. During walking fetch, I'd pinch until his lips were around the bumper, let go of his ear but keep hold of his collar and keep on walking. If he dropped the bumper, go back to ear pinch, he has no choice but to follow you as you are pulling him along. If he won't heel and hold at the same time, work on that without the fetch off the ground. Matter of fact, work on him holding the bumper while you do all obedience drills. (sit, heel, come, down etc). You could have left a hole there.

Howard thanks. He holds fine with all OB drills, and will hold at heel while pulling him along by his collar after ff to the ground. He just seems to be shutting down with ear pinch and avoids the bumpers completly without it. He will play fetch with bumpers fine so I dont think its the bumpers I am using.

[Breakhigh]

I had the exact same problem with my first dog during force and a little with my second. Give dog a day or so to rest then back to walking fetch. I worked both of my dogs through it. It takes time and I always tried to end a session with a fetch with little to no ear pinch if possible. I am by no means anywhere close to a pro or even a decent ameatur for that matter as I have only FF two dogs but same situation. Best advise is find someone with vast experience or a professional.

[Bridget Bodine]

Create some momentum , don't wait and see what he will do , pinch the ear , get the bumper in his mouth ,"GOOD BOY!", lift him up , take the bumper and go to the next one. quick , quick.....create a flow , a dance of sorts , keep it moving.....
once you get some momentum built then slip in a freebie he if he does not respond immediately, quick back on the ear

[Gun_Dog2002]

Which video's have you watched?

/Paul

[freezeland]

Which video's have you watched?

/Paul

I am using Lardy TRT

[freezeland]

Create some momentum , don't wait and see what he will do , pinch the ear , get the bumper in his mouth ,"GOOD BOY!", lift him up , take the bumper and go to the next one. quick , quick.....create a flow , a dance of sorts , keep it moving.....
once you get some momentum built then slip in a freebie he if he does not respond immediately, quick back on the ear

Sounds like good advise right there for this situation, I will try that