16gauge

I'm starting to work on force fetch with my lab. I would like to build a table, and have an idea was to what height and length I would like, but I would like some input as to how wide it should be.

Doc E

IMO, if you are going to FF a number of dogs, a table might be nice, but for FF one dog ?
Waste of time and energy building a table.
Just sit on a bucket for your FF sessions.

Are you going to use ear pinch or toe hitch ?



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16gauge

I've tried both....ear pinch works better for me. Trying to pull on a string to pinch the dogs toe, while at the same time trying to put something in his/her mouth became more frustrating than anything. I like the technique I found on youtube using the buckle on the dog's collar to create pressure with my thumb.
Used the ear method with my first two dogs (American water spaniel & Chesapeake Bay retriever) and it worked well with both of them.

Mickey Finn

http://www.navhda.org/table.html

Doc E

Then you certainly don't need a table --- just a 5 gal bucket for you to sit on.
I too prefer ear pinch --- if a dog disobeys out in the field, it's easy to 'show them the ligh' with ear pinch --- how can you 'show them the light' out in the field with a toe hitch.



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Mickey Finn

I respectfully disagree with those who don't think a training table will be useful. I have used mine for years. Every command is taught on the table first. Then it is moved to the yard etc. I also, do a lot of my grooming and first aid on the table. The dogs are always willing to jump up, as a matter of fact. They will jump on the table in an effort to prolong training, rather than go back in the kennel.

I do agree with the ear pinch though. Just for the reasons Doc mentioned.

ATB

16gauge

Mickey;
Thanks...that's basically what I was looking for.