I'm in the process of training my lab and am considering the force fetch method to train the fetch BUT, I'm not really that enthusiastic about inflecting pain on my dog. I would like to know is this the way to go or are there other means with the same result. If this is the way any suggestions on its use?

Make sure you have a good book on force fetch and understand it thoroughly before starting. Stephen Rafe is good. Then work consistently and entirely without anger and get each step thoroughly learned before going to the next step. I liked the toe rope method best as the dog really didn't like it but it did not appear that painful. Done properly the dog ends up with confidence that he knows his job and exactly what you want from him. Strange as it seems, it tends to develop more closeness between dog and trainer. It also helps with dominance problems.

I really like the detailed explanation and description of various ways to do it in "Training Retrievers for the Meadows & Marshes" by James B. Spencer. He doesn't like putting pressure on the paw as it makes it harder to control the head (mouth). His method employs a slower but complete way to force fetch which is especially helpful for an amateur trying it on his own without 'coaching' from a VERY knowledgeable person. Some other very good ideas in the book, but be careful about using his 'cone' method for teaching blinds very long as the dog quickly becomes too dependent on them. I followed his book for part of my older dog's training and primarily used the manual 'Training with Mike Lardy' vol I for her pup (now 5). I liked the Lardy approach on blinds much better, and he also has force fetch in it, but for the newcomer to force fetch I liked the explanation in Spencer's book better.

Lardy's vol can be found at totalretriever.com and the Spencer book is published byDenliger publishers P.O. Box Fairfax, VA 22030

I believe that the material from Lardy is by far the best program to follow in the total training of a retriever.

I am an ear pinch guy, but only after learning how and when to do it properly from a pro. Of course this is on a training table so the dog has no head movement, etc.. READ, READ, READ, then ask as many experienced handlers as you can. I really like Lardy, but not by any means do I agree with everything he teaches. You can find your own path and method, but be educated about that path.

Just my two cents.

Chad

Thanks guys, I've checked around to other sites and I guess theres pro and con but bottom line what I get is if you use it use it right and in only the amount warranted to get your dog to know what is required of them and correction.