What kind of methods are out there to get a dog to not be so rough on the birds when retieving them? I have a black lab that will give it one or two good bites while bringing the birds back to you..... and when there is one still fluttering on the ground he REALLY gives it a good bite. Any hints or tricks to get him to stop this?

I wouldn't bother asking that here. You'll just get a nasty answer from doc or daleh. I'll message you.

Here's my "nasty" answer.
The dog needs to be Force Fetched.


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Most likely because you know that your answer will probably be laughed at.


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100% right. If you want to do it yourself, here is a link to the best tool you can buy to help you get through this...

http://www.lcsupply.com/Product/Book...martFetch.html

Good luck

What is "force fetched"

A force fetched dog is one which has been successfully trained to properly retrieve, on command, in any situation at any time. There are many dogs that have a retrieving instinct, but unless successfully force fetched, you run the risk that at some point the dog will say, "Nah. I don't feel like it today." This behavior can manifest itself in many ways ranging from outright refusal to retrieve to mouthing the bird as the original poster is seeing and many others. Successfully force fetching the dog removes this variable. The term "force" is to be used loosely as different dogs require different means of stimulation to achieve the desired results.

seaducks

Gp to http://www.rushcreekpress.com/page6articles.html

Scroll about half way down to the article titled
On your mark… get set…’fetch’


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Thanks!

Force fetch table training...possibly includinga spiked bird harness during table and field work.

Good luck.