I’ve had numerous gun dog owners tell me their dogs will retrieve naturally, but stop short by 4 to 10 feet, and are reluctant to come all the way in to hand.  I have found this solution to work very well for bird dog puppies, seasoned gundogs, pointing dogs, and flushing dogs.  The fix is easier than you think, and it’s a positive training technique using no pressure or correction of any kind.  Let’s start with some retriever training basics and build from there. First of all, don’t be in a hurry to take the training dummy bumper or bird from the dog.  By letting him keep his prize for a short time while you praise him for a job well done you’re now giving him an alternate reason to come all the way in, in addition, this will train your bird dog to hold the bird until you give the release command for him to deliver to hand.  Training your bird dog to hold by hooking a finger in the collar and supporting the jaw while petting him on the head with the other hand will stop him from dropping the bird or retrieving bumper prematurely. 

Secondly, anticipate his stopping short and before he gets where he typically stops, turn around and quickly walk away.  He will follow you and forget all about stopping short.  You can then stop, praise him, and take the dummy or bird after letting him hold it a moment.  This technique works extremely well with young dogs.  I’ve let my 4 month old puppies carry birds 200 yards back to the truck before putting the bird in my hand.  The next step is to walk backwards near the end of the retrieve while using inviting body language and verbal encouragement to come all the way in.  Next you will only need to take a 1/2 step back to get your hunting dog to roll in with the bird or retrieving dummy.  

And finally, he will anticipate you to step back but you won’t, and he’ll slam into your knees (so brace yourself).  When your retriever comes flying in, stops correctly, and waits for you to ask for the bird to be put in your hand and not make you reach for it, pat the dog on the head and yourself on the back – NICE JOB!    

Each of these stages will take time, patience, and repetition.  So don’t get in a rush to jump to the next phase.  Enjoy your bird dog having success at each level of progression, and occasionally challenge him with variations in where you train and what type of dog training aids you use.  

Remember, don’t take his prize away to fast, give him plenty of praise to look forward to, and always end your training session leaving him wanting more.  This may take a little time but the results will be worth it. 

Please let us know how this tip works for you and your pup! 

PointerSupply.com carries a full line of gun dog training supplies including electronic training collars, training dummies, dummy launchers, bird scents, and many more bird dog training supplies and upland clothing and apparel to help you and your pup have more fun in the field.  In addition, we offer professional bird dog training, as well as Guided Wild Iowa Pheasant Hunts.  Please check out our other upland hunting product reviews as well as our free online dog training tips for your bird dog.  

Thanks, and remember to involve kids in bird dog training, upland hunting, and the wonders of nature!  

Dave Kruse – The Pointer Supply Guy     

davidk@pointersupply.com