Yum ... a mouthful of feathers ... what a reward!
I hunted a while ago with a guy who didn’t praise his dog all day. Now maybe I overdo it, but a little “carrot” (treats, verbal praise) helps balance out the “sticks,” (e-collar, yelling) doesn’t it?
In my Bird Hunting Boot Camp seminar, I ask everyone: What works as reward, and as “correction?”
My reward list starts with food treats, and ends with something that everyone nods their noggin at in agreement, after slapping their forehead: let your dog hold that savory, sweet-smelling, lovely to taste bird just a bit before snatching it from him. Isn’t that what life is all about for a bird dog?
What’s on your list of rewards, and “corrections?”
Scott Linden Outdoors 
I agree that the bird should be a big “carrot” to the bird dog.. or being able to go back out and hunt more. I know that’s what my dog loves the most, for me to stop making her do this whole fetch thing and let her back out to hunt. So I trust that I know her well enough to do a simple good girl and a pat and let her get back to business.
Even if I brought treats into the bird field, I highly doubt she would care much about them or work for them in any way. When she is in the field that’s all she wants to do is get more birds. Sure she would eat them but her heart is not in the actual tidbits, but more in being able to get back out there.
And most of the dogs I’m around are the same way. I do like to use verbal praise though, and not just because she’s a vizsla, but she also needs a firm hand in the bird field due to her wanting those birds so bad. Most of my training is that way, I am a firm believer in the dogs earning rewards, whether it be food, verbal praise, or petting… And I make those that know my dog follow the same rule to their own capability. So my ratio would probably be a bit different but at the same time it’s not always correction.
Outside perspective is always good, as I’m usually caught up in the moment while out in the field, just like Luna is.
Interesting thoughts though
Anna
http://www.akginspiration.com
Great point, Anna. Besides letting a dog hold a bird, realize that they really want to find more … what a great reward. Anybody here do the clicker thing? Please explain why that is better than verbal praise.
Scott: Good point(pardon the pun) re: not taking the bird away immediately. I think you were talking about me and Uli in that I did not praise Uli, but rather controlled him too much. Working on it. Again, thanks for the advice. I will order the retrieving bumper.
Actually, Andy, I was recalling a hunt with someone’s wirehairs a while back in another time zone but I think it IS apropos, for most of us most of the time … makes for a great discussion at my seminars. Control is good … so is trust in a dog’s breeding and instincts … and so is positive reinforcement.
I ask most trainers and everyday dog owners how many carrots per stick and the ratio almost always comes out about 7:1.
Thanks for your order.