![]() Electronic collars sometimes figure into the training. ![]() Others use piles of bumpers and alternate casting drills. Some trainers use exaggerated body language when sending, or casting, their dog after a bumper. There are an untold number of training videos and books available that cover hand-signal trainingand everything elsein much more detail. And the third time out, send the retriever to second base with the "back" commandperhaps the most difficult of the three. The next training session, send the dog to the other base. Your retriever will eventually figure out that your outstretched arm is telling him the direction to go. Once there, extend your arm in the direction of the thrown bumper and release your dog to retrieve the bumper and bring it to you. Toss one bumper to either first or third baseno more than 10 yards away is ideal. Walk with the dog to the middle of the diamond, where the pitcher's mound would be. Visualize a baseball diamond and stand at the equivalent of home plate with your dog at heel. Tactics vary by trainer, but one tried-and-true method for teaching your retriever to follow hand signals is the "baseball" drill. Others take longer to grasp and master the task at hand. To get the most out of your retriever, you must be patient and willing to put in the time. Shortcuts may work occasionally, but I would not count on them. To my mind, there is no quick way to train a hunting dog. Also, make sure the dog is looking at youif he's not, he's not going to read the sign language. ![]() If you do, you might as well be speaking to the dog in another language. Early on, you may need to nudge or push on your retriever's back so the dog knows exactly what you are telling it to do.Ī key element here is consistency. For the "down" command, for example, say "down" and motion toward the floor with your hand open, palm down. ![]() You can start by using hand signals in combination with verbal cues when teaching basic obedience. Training your retriever to respond to hand signals should actually begin long before you take the dog hunting. That is, unless you and your dog are in sync through the use of hand signals. Factor in wind, waves, gunfire, and the excitement of the moment, and confusion can reign supreme. It is at such times that being able to direct your dog with hand signals can make all the difference.Īt long distances, verbal commands become impractical. Even the most experienced retriever can't be expected to see every bird fall during a morning of hot shooting. ![]()
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