getting out of hunting mode

doganjo

So what's the secret of getting them OUT of hunting mode - I am having the greatest difficulty with Allez. He's just fixated on finding game.

guy

guy

Jokes apart... It will not happen overnight.

You have to build the 'desire' to retrieve. (or train FF). Avoid simple exercises, dogs are not stupid. Lots of praise, food if it works, little and often; one or at most two retrieves in an early session. Let the dog run in (this helps marking and increases excitement - how many dogs do you see in the park mis marking a tennis ball or frisbee?) Make them use their nose as well as their eyes. Dogs love to run - so drop a retrieve as you walk and send the dog 'back' to it. (starting as a seen but later a blind) The dog will go back for it, the natural desire to be with you or in front of you will bring dog and retrieve back to you. The dog will run the path so it is running a line without realising it. Set teh retrieves up so the dog 'wins' and you win. So don't start by going into the middle of a park with lots of other dogs running about but go somewhere 'bland'. If a field walk teh field first yourself without the dog to move any game off it

The dog has to understand the 'stop' whistle and OBEY it.

The recall needs to work. A retrieve is only a recall with something in teh mouth

The dog needs to hold when it is told.

You have to be the 'authority figure' when it matters. So the dog is not pulling ahead on the lead as you walk - but respecting your role. You choose where and when to hunt. Tell the dog to go and hunt, don't let that be the default activity. One of the downsides of park based training for a dog is its need to leave pee mail all the time. You need to stop this when the dog has been told to do something.

guy

I would start by making the dog walk to heel carrying a dummy when it goes out for a walk - and if it doesn't, don't go. Every time.

doganjo

I think I'll give up now. All that should have been done when he was a puppy and I didn't know it then.

guy

don't give up - Topaz wouldn't retrieve at one, Santiago's dog at three or four?

You will just have to take 'puppy steps' One step at atime.

Retrieve before going hunting - every time. They soon learn what to do to get what they want. Laughing

I can assure you the feeling you get when they do finally get it is VERY special.

Tricky micky

It really is quite simple really Anne. You go where there is no scent at all to start with probably on a long line or a flexe-lead with treats if need be. Then slowly go from there. But you must be able to stop him in the sit position on the whistle again on lead first. Then keep him CLOSE no more than20-30 yards to start with. You won't go far wrong if you do these basics first then SLOWLY build on it.

doganjo

What annoys me most is that he was doing all this when I was up North - 100 yard stops and sit to whistle, stop to shot (still does that but can't take starting pistol around with me), long hidden and memory retrieves on dummies and on cold game, marking to fall. I don't know what has happened. I don't have my own field any more and have found it very difficult to find anywhere to take him that is safe - ie if he runs off hunting he doesn't go in front of a car.

Tricky micky

Don't Panic Mrs Mannering. You said it ( all in your own field) now you have moved, back to basic's .There is nothing wrong in keeping him short to many let them go to far then find they start getting problem's and wonder why get him fully focused with you before you go any further. I had big problems with hunting - mode but not anymore, she would love to go hunting but as she is having puppies in 3- weeks time I don't think so!
Good luck
Mick

Victoria

guy

Hunting is so self rewarding Laughing

Victoria

Yes, and that's just the humans!!!!!

doganjo

Thanks for the support everyone, I feel more positive today. The sun is shining lol. From Facebook replies - Yes, Guy, my new neighbours are great,so less issues there, yes, I've probably let training slip while I got things done in the house - too easy to just let them run free in a safe garden even if it is an acre, too easy to slip on a lead and stroll through the field across the road (can't let them off for unfenced road and railway), or get in the car and let them run free at Gartmorn Dam, or Devilla forest. Sallie, some truth in putting more pressure on myself re dual purpose - but he won't be a champion as I can't get to Champ shows now. I'll try to take on board everything you have all said (including tricky micky, who isn't on facebook but posted on here. Going to trainer every 2/3 weeks from last week till I get him back on track, next visit is Thursday so will start posting Allez's diary again.
Thanks again, All.