my lab is about a yr and 2 months old.

Pheas,

Here's the method that I like best : Drive a post in the ground. run a LONG lead around the post. Hook one end on the dog's collar, and you have ahold of the other part of the lead. SIT the dog about 5' from the post (you are right in front of the dog). You slowly back away from the dog (letting the lead slide through your hand). As soon as you see the dog getting ready to break, give a jerk on the long lead and command SIT. This will end up pulling the dog backwards and right into the sit position. You can use the same method for getting the dog to sit during a recall (your 'problem'). Go through the above scenario - call the dog in - when he gets half-way to you, command SIT and give a pull on your end of the lead.

You can also use your trailer hitch ball instead of the post (in case your ground is frozen as hard as ours is.

Also, Pheas, what training book have you been following?

i have been following the tri tronics video i got with the tri tronics sport 60 and it has been working pretty good. i figure once he got the basic commands down then i will move on to field training.

i have been using the tri tronics basic command video that i got when i bought the tri tronics sport 60. i figure once he gets the 4 basic commands down then i will move on.

Hey pheasentlab, did you just start with the e-collar? How is your pup responding to it? I am thinking of getting an e-collar for the first time and just looking for some input. Thanks.

Pheas....

1. You may want to get a hold of Jim and Phylis Dobbs Book "Tri-Tronics Retriever Training". It is an excellent tool for taking your dog from the basics into the transition stage of training (with the e-collar). I had 5 different videos and books including the ones you mentioned. I found this book to be the easiest to follow. It is filled with good explanations as well as step by step illustrations.

2. With regards to the sit.....I had the same problem you did....I used a method similar to what Doc posted and it worked like a charm! Especially if you do alot of your training alone.

Good Luck and Good Training

any goog videos like this.

They also have a 2 good videos for hold and fetch! Mike Lardys Tapes are also good ...... When I was new to the sport I had some trouble following Lardys...I liked Dobbs.... Better than any video is hooking up with a retriever club....you can/will get many different viewpoints all that went through what you did/are.

Good Luck

Drake

It's a matter of obedience. When commanded to sit or stop, the dog should. No matter what is happening. I could stop my Springers at any time in the field. On running birds, at the flush, to help with a blind retrieve, or on an honor. Once the obedience work starts, keep them off birds until they're at the level you're working to.