"Force Fetch"

[Summit Forge]

Don, I have not viewed any how-to-force-fetch videos personally because when I learned the technique there were none available that I knew of. Now however, quite a few well known pro trainers are selling them.

Actually, I learned the force fetch technique by attending an ACTA-sponsored seminar with the pro, Jim Dobbs. Additionally, I bought his book and books by other pro trainers; and read articles gleaned from numerous sources. I then jumped in with the hope that I would not ruin my dog. I didn't but then again Forge doesn't talk!

When I ran into problems, I was able to call Dobbs because of our participation in the seminar. Of course, as with all pros, advice will be forthcoming only if one continues to buy their products and services, which is only natural. Nothing is "free AND easy" that is worthwhile.

Ron

[alex]

Ron,

Was that an ear-pinch technique?

[Summit Forge]

No Alex, I used the lip or mouth pinch, toe hitch and e-collar. Knowing what I know now, I would use the mouth, ear and e-collar in the future.

Ron

[morgan]

Koehler's book (out of print but try bookfinder.com) Open and Utility for Field and Ring (I think) has a good ear pinch procedure. Mike Larty has a good video. Jackie Mertin's "Sound Beginnings" video is good for retrievers.

Dave

[jtj]

Teaching an Airedale the force fetching routine can be tough duty if you have a stubborn dog. According Graham Sharp, Buck's trainer, it was a battle of wills and success was not always in sight. I still l remember telephone calls that started with, "Jesus, I'm glad you got control of this tough SOB when he was younger, because if you hadn't he'd f**king kill me-he has a mouth like an alligator." But force fetching was the basis for everything that followed. I'd recommend Graham if you need any help or advise. You can reach him at SharpRetrievers.com

[frankyme]

I finally got shoot some wild birds over Teddy ;D. A few ducks over the last couple of weekends. Teddy stepped on some metal garbage hidden in the tall grass while training about a month ago. If I take him upland he limps for a day afterward so we've been spending most of our hunt time in the water after ducks hoping its lower impact. Anyway, he hasn't been retrieving to hand nearly as often as he used to. I think he is to young for force fetch training (9 months) and was hoping to really get him a lot of experience his first season. I'm wondering if I'm reinforcing a bad habit by letting him drop the bird a few from me. I plan to continue to encourage him to retrieve to hand with training bumpers, and with a check cord while upland hunting, but the water is a harder situation to control.
On a brighter note he impressed the hell out of me Sunday morning. At first light and first flight the air was 27'F and he was after a wounded diving duck. The training dummies and dead birds we train with never dive. This was a new one on both of us, but Teddy never gave up. He kept getting within a few inches and the duck would disappear under the water. Finally it popped up in front of him and he grabbed it and didn't let go. I'm guessing he learned something.

[hicntry]

Hey Congrats Franky. Sounds like he is comeing along great! I can't help with the timing on the forced fetch since I am not a trainer, but, I would figure darn few dogs are percfect out the gate and you will slowly close that few to none. Duck must have thought he was surfacing behind Tedy maybe....stupid duck.

[Maverick]

Franky - There is nothing that sorts the real hunting retrievers from the pretenders than a strong diving duck! Good for Teddy! - Pete