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A Quick Turn Around May Cure Slow Fetching
A retriever that literally “snails” back to his owner with a downed bird, either on land or from water, can be highly exasperating. All retrieves should be swift and confident. Typically, the hesitant, almost casual, return stems from early handling errors, reinforced by repetition.
Doubtless unaware of it, the overly eager owner, attempting to speed a retrieve by going part way toward his returning dog, actually helps accentuate the dawdling return. One solution to lessen the problem and accelerate the retrieve is simply to turn and quickly stride a short distance away from the dog. Such a move usually encourages the dog to hurry so he can follow you. As he follows, just continue walking until he comes close, then turn to face him and receive the retrieve.
Overly rough handling, also, may be at fault. If your dog halts briefly to adjust his hold on the bird, or he inadvertently drops it, and you get on him too harshly, he may not be too eager to return a bird quickly. Solution: Take things a lot easier and try keeping a more casual approach on your dog’s outings, whether training or on actual hunting trips
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you’re well on the way to producing a man-made “gun-shy.” Some trainers advocate a gradual, sustained introduction to the sound of gunfire. This method involves shooting a cap pistol some distance from the dog at feeding time, then a few weeks later, progressing to a 22 caliber blank pistol and eventually a 410 shotgun for the dog’s first few field trips. But, perhaps the best and most natural method occurs in the hunting field, where the gun’s report can properly—and, initially, subconsciously—be associated with the stimulating sight and scent of game. Under these conditions, any dog’s acceptance of gunfire should come quite naturally. Wait for just the right moment, when the pup is a fair distance from you, and engrossed in chasing a bird (pigeons are great for this) before discharging the gun into the air. If he does notice the noise, simply ignore him and continue your outing without further shooting. Repeat the procedure a few days later, putting a bit more distance between pup and gun. Should he still show more than momentary, mild concern, limit subsequent field trips to one shot per outing till his apprehension disappears completely.