[Big Dawgg]

Working on FF with an 8 month old BLM using Smartwork. He did well through ear pinch, CC to fetch and walking fetch/no fetch. When working on walking fetch he was diving for the bumper when told to fetch. We moved on to mini-pile and he will go on command but just jogs out to the bumper and brings it back. I can't seem to get him to dig in and go from the line. We have done 5 sessions starting at 5' and moved out to 10-15 yards. When sent on the 5-10' bumpers he dives for them. Moving them out any further and he starts to slow down and jog out and get them. I nicked him a few times on the way out and it got him to pick up the pace some but not much. He got buggy on one nick, running sideways before I pinched him to get him to fetch.
Today I did 2 sessions and started out with ear pinch from my hand a few times. He would grab it up quick. I then restrained him a few times and moved the bumper down to the ground. He quickly fetched the bumper again. In this mornings session I even did a few 2' fetches using e-collar. He seemed to have it again, but tried a mini-pile at about 5 yards and he was back to just jogging out to the bumpers and not digging in and racing out.
He has never been a real barn burner at retrieving bumpers. He has always done it but always at a jog. With birds, live or dead, he will burn a path there and back. I never worried much about this thinking that FF would fix it.

What is the next step or have I missed something along the way? Would going back and working through all the steps again improve his drive?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Juli H]

I have a dog that gets bored very quickly with yard work...When we did single T, it was a slow lope out, and even slower lope back by the 3rd send....

Like you, at first I tried to get her to go fast by using force...it backfired so I changed my training regimen for her...I kept sessions very short (maybe 7 sends per session) and also animated..I also tried to be patient with her and remember that it was just her way......
Rather than try to force her to be faster, I kept the training light and fun...I threw her 2-3 fun bumpers per session, spaced out every 2-3 sends, often after a force or when she made a good effort in training......

In limited training (no TT, no pattern blinds) she is running 100 yd (simple) blinds and getting there in 2-3 whistles..She runs hard and is eager to work....

Juli

 

[Scott Parker]

If you are though with FF you might want to just do some marks with him to lighten things up he's had a lot of pressure on him and he might need a break to get him up again before you do the FTP he's only 8 months old so you've got time. Good Luck with him.

 

[Big Dawgg]

We did take a couple days off and went scouting some waterfowl areas. He really enjoyed just being out running around and playing in water. I thought this might make a difference also.

This dog is going to be a hunting only dog so not worried about FT/HT's. If this is his way I can live with it, I just was concerned I may have missed something or done something improperly.
Thanks for the replies.

 

[jimmyp]

We did take a couple days off and went scouting some waterfowl areas. He really enjoyed just being out running around and playing in water. I thought this might make a difference also.

This dog is going to be a hunting only dog so not worried about FT/HT's. If this is his way I can live with it, I just was concerned I may have missed something or done something improperly.
Thanks for the replies.

I've got a 2yo that is the same way she gets bored with pile work and just jogs out and back. I've been told some dogs are just wired that way. I hve noticed that in hunting situations she tends to pick up the pace a little. But ur pup is young give it some time, and have fun.
Jim

 

[TN_LAB]

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think I'd sweat it too much.

If the dog is reliable and doing what you ask, I'm not sure I'd worry too much about how much drive and/or how quickly he's doing it (the old "choose your battles" argument).

We had a woman that had a couple dogs that were the slowest retrievers I've ever seen. These dogs just sorta strolled out there taking their own sweet time. Interestingly enough, she said they've acted that way for the past 5 years at the Master National too .

Another point of view: You could have one of those out of control, maniac dogs.

 

[GG]

in many cases, gun dogs that are slow while training (especially when learning to handle)
will improve their momentum when they get more familiar with real hunting situations. Of course there are no guarantees, but it's the possibilities that make us push on anyway.
Good luck
GG

 

[Big Dawgg]

Changed things up a bit tonight. Worked a 6 bumper pile and when sending on the fetch command, I would take an aggressive step towards the pile as if I was going to take off and run with him. He took off and kept running all the way to the pile and back. This also seemed to make it more fun for him as his attitude was much better with tail wagging the whole time. Did 4-5 piles out to 25 yards with no refusals. Really feel good about the session tonight. Thanks for the input from all.

 

[Juli H]

That is great to hear...sometimes it is just a matter of finding that little different technique to help the dog feel confident and motivated...

have fun! (that's what it's all about )

Juli