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My dog retrieves dummies flawlessly on the training table, in the yard or in the field. He'll do the same with a dead bird that I set out in the field or throw into the brush. But shoot a live bird that he's pointed or a duck from the blind and he horses around with it when he gets about 15-20 feet away. I usually have to give him an additional "Fetch!" command or two before he gets it to hand. Any ideas what to do?
Rem - I've had a similar problem - dummies on the training table, yard or field were perfect - but a live bird was another thing. What I did was go back to the training table and use the dummy and then do the same thing with a live duck that I had taken home from a training day. I taped the duck so it could not move and did the same thing with the live bird that I did with the dummy - everything the same. Then from the training table to the yard - first the dummy - then the live bird. Finally into the field and throw a dummy into the brush and demand a retrieve to hand - sitting in front of you or by your side - whichever you prefer. Then do the same with the LIVE bird - expect and demand the same retrieve to hand as with the dummy. Its repetition, repetition, repetition.
John
If the handler (trainer) is going to use the force fetch method of retrieving, just make sure you have done all your retrieving work with dummies and the dog is flawless with them before you go to dead or live birds. I have seen a dog that was force fetched with a duck, and he would not pick up a duck, or have any other thing to do with a duck, but would retrieve pheasants and quail.
Rick