Scott Linden Outdoors

More mature, physically and emotionally, that’s Manny at 13 months. So, time to get this over with.

Subject and object ... now, to combine appropriately

Avid trainers insist that force fetch training:

– Shows a dog who’s really “boss”

– Doesn’t have to be traumatic

– Ensures a reliable retrieve, of anything at any time

I agree, all are true – in theory. The first one may be the most useful in our case as Manny has learned enough about life to find ways around just about anything in the way of commands. A little bearing-down in the obedience department will be of value for our long-term relationship. And ultimately, that’s what force fetching is.

So, we’re off! And the first few days have been positive. Thanks to Dave Carty’s most recent column in Gun Dog magazine for a clear outline of the process that even I can understand, coupled with a sensitive ear on Manny, we are almost a week into the ordeal.

So far, so good ...

Manny is opening his mouth with little “motivation,” making the connection between obedience and absence of pain. I’m subtly pushing him forward a bit to encourage a move to the retrieving buck and he’s “getting it.” There is some, but not a lot, of fighting once it’s in his mouth but eventually he relents and simply holds it. The release, as you can imagine, pretty much takes care of itself once I give the command.

I’ll keep you posted.