anyone training with retrievers?

MattTS

Just wondering if anyone here is also into retrievers and train them

Criosphynx

to do what specifically?

MattTS

well, retrieving We have here trials and training specifically for such activities, if you're not into hunting live game.

Criosphynx

My preference is backchaining, that is, teaching the behavior chain in reverse, so the dog always ends on a good note

Here are detailed instructions

Keepers - Shirley's Retieve

I have used this to teach retrieves to chihuahuas, so it does absolutely work, this is also the method used on many service dogs.

The only other way to teach a reliable retrieve I can think of (if the dog is not a natural) is to force fetch the dog, som'thing I do not personally recommend.

MattTS

your link is very interesting! My dog retrieves naturally but he still needs to train.
It is amazing what a trained retriever might achieve.

HarleyHasMyHeart

My dog Harley a Golden Retriever retrieves natually. He would be the perfect hunting dog. He has a soft mouth and loves to retrieve. He will bring anything to me so I can throw it to him and he can bring it back!! Sometimes he grabs socks out of the sock basket and drops them in my lap, its hilarious!! I dont train him to retrieve though, he is just a companion dog for right now. I eventually want to compete in Flyball with him once he is ready.

MattTS

they love to do it, it's their nature and instinct. And yes, it's so fun to watch them doing it!

HarleyHasMyHeart

It IS fun to watch them do it. Harley could play fetch all day with the tennis balls. I think he would be great for the retrieving competitions (I'm not sure exactly what they are called) but I dont know of any clubs in my area.