RE: Need Help
 

You are under the same impression that most retriever owners are ... " If my dawg fetches on his own, why do I need to FF him?" Among other reasons, he needs to understand that " fetch" is a command and not a voluntary choice on his part. The " trained retrieve" (another word for force fetching) is just like the " trained sit" or the " trained here" or the " trained heel" ... Pup may wish to do them voluntarily at times but the reason that we teach it as commands is to make them understand there is no choice in the matter ... it is a required action that must be complied with ... period.

Try reading these two articles by John and Amy Dahl ... authors of " The 10-Minute Retriever" .

http://www.oakhillkennel.com/library/force/force1.html

http://www.oakhillkennel.com/library/force/force2.html

Schemy ... you need to introduce your boy to clipped wing pigeons and let him chase them down to ignite the prey drive that' s actually there in his genes but just not brought out as yet.

RE: Need Help
 

Jim said it all.

RE: Need Help
 

Nevada,

Thanks for the info. I read them over and found I have a lot of work to do with my dog. I think he will be able to pick this stuff up, well I hope he can. That is what i get for trying to think for myself. Well at least I will have a better start for my choco lab. Thanks again everyone for the information. I will keep you updated on the progress.

Good Huntin.