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Elaine Mueller Tweedy
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Decoy Retrieval - Just Add Water

5/27/2022

8 Comments

 
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There's nothing quite like a bright, sunny day and a happy dog doing his job and enjoying life.

A while back, I had the opportunity to watch a few champion retrievers at work, and to learn about the training that goes into waterfowl retrieval.


LEAVE THE DECOY - BRING BACK THE DOWNED BIRD

I realize that the subject of "downed birds" might be a problem.  This discussion will show no photos of downed birds, but will simply discuss a few aspects of training a dog to be a hunting partner.

I grew up in a hunting family.  My grandfather, uncles, and father, were all hunters.  They were not trophy hunters.  Any hunting in my family always resulted in a viable meat source.  Turkey and/or  pheasant were often served at Thanksgiving.

Having owned a Chocolate Lab at one point in our lives, I know the instinct is strong to "bring things home."  Our Ike would often appear in our yard with tidbits he found in the woods near our house, some of which I would run screaming from.

So, when invited to a weekend event which included watching retrievers do their thing, I was excited to learn the process.

Decoys and "calls" are a part of hunting.  It is important the dog is trained to leave the decoys alone and bring back the bird.

This Cabela's video, of a dog's first-time experience with decoys will explain.
Obviously, this good boy, caught on quickly, most likely because he had been taught to retrieve on dry land first, then using the same bumpers, moved to water retrieval.

TEACH STRAIGHT LINES

Retrievers are also taught to retrieve in a straight line--leave shore, get the downed bird, return to shore--all in a sort of shortest-distance-between-two-points approach.  The straightest paths are the best paths.  Here's a quick article from Ducks Unlimited that talks about why this is so important. 
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The very best thing to do, if you are unfamiliar with bird retrieval training, is to work with a reputable trainer, so that your dog is started correctly, and doesn't have a chance to build up habits that would hinder, rather than help, the process.

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN SEARCHING FOR A REPUTABLE TRAINER

1.  What education and training does the trainer have?
2.  Are they certified, accredited, or a member of a certified/accredited organization?
3.  What training methods do they use?
4.  Do they have any client testimonials or reviews that you can look over?


While there are more, I'm sure, these at least can get the conversation rolling to the point where you can gauge your feel for the person.

Thanks to Bridget Bodine and Charles Jindracek, I was able to see positively-reinforced retriever training in action with their black labs, Crosby and Frazier.  They are now located in Tennessee, and Bridget has started her own business Versatile Dog Training.  Click on the name to view her Facebook page.
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Click Into the Circle

I am part of a weekly blogging group of professional pet photographers located all over the planet.   To see what others have blogged about in this week's topic, start here with Seattle dog photographer, Holly Cook, as she explains what it takes for your dog to be a Salty Dog.  Then find the link at the end of each blog to click on to the next photographer. 

Have a great weekend.  Enjoy!

8 Comments
Kim Hollis link
5/27/2022 06:06:58 am

First let me say, I know next to northing about decoy retrieval but the dog I posted about today is golden retriever Ace and he is trained to do this too. He is amazing to watch (and he always jumps when is runs so he is entertaining to watch too!) In my post, his mom would throw his bumper and that's what he was running to get. This is a really informative post and I enjoyed reading it.

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Linda Perdue link
5/27/2022 07:08:15 am

Awesome subject! While I think I would become a vegetarian (or maybe just eat fish) - I think it's interesting to see how hunting dogs are trained.

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Angela Schneider link
5/27/2022 07:40:37 am

Some dogs are definitely wired especially for this kind of work! Really informative post. I learned a few things about bird retrieval today.

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Courtney Bryson link
5/27/2022 08:20:29 am

Great information! I love watching dogs do what they love.

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Tracy Allard link
5/27/2022 08:25:30 am

Wow, what a lucky dog you are! I would have loved to have watched retrieval training too, and with your camera to boot! Major score!

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Cahlean Klenke
5/27/2022 12:22:28 pm

It's super cool that you got to see how retriever is trained to do his or her job! I didn't know about the straight line retrieving!

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Holly
5/27/2022 01:26:44 pm

Isn't it amazing to watch these dogs do their work? Their enthusiasm and joy for doing the job they love always inspires me. This lab looks very happy.
When I was about 20, I started an apprenticeship with a master bird dog trainer. He assigned me a dog named Patrick, a lovely, big headed yellow lab. I worked with Patrick for several weeks on water retrieves. He was a natural and made it look easy. Then, the dog trainer handed me a gun and told me it was time to work in the field. Well, I hadn't really thought that far. I mean, I just wanted to train the dog! (The 20 year old mind never thinks things through.) Anyway, we walked out into the field and the trainer pointed out my target. He encouraged me to take the shot. Patrick knew exactly what was happening, so he was ready to go. I closed my eyes, and pulled the trigger of that little 20 gauge. Oh, the kick! Patrick took off and rustled around in the field for a few minutes as the trainer congratulated me for making the shot. I heard Patrick returning to me, so I puffed my chest with pride for a job well done. Patrick happily trotted his way back to me, dropped the bird at my feet, and I promptly turned around and threw up. Needless to say, I am not a hunter. hahaha! But I do appreciate these dogs!

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Elaine
5/27/2022 03:29:51 pm

Holly, this is the BEST story. I laughed out loud at the end, but I know exactly what you mean. Thanks for sharing that!

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