Trainer corrections

I was thinking that we can share some ideas on training that will help us get the best results in the shortest possible time.
I will start: A new part of training in the field, I am getting my lab to sit and stay when in front of me. The problem is the re-start. I am confusing him on the “hunt” command. instead of re-starting, he will return to my location. What solution do you have for this training?

I use the term “go”. It can be useful for many things – even as a substitute for “kennel.” “Back” may work also if you have your dog trained for hand signals. Just what works for me – clearly you need to start using the term with them enough to have them understand what you want from them… The dog is confused and knows that safe haven is to return to your side… so you will need to keep working on it to make them familiar with your commands – I do suggest as much use of the term in non-hunting situations as you can also, so they get comfortable with it and it won’t be an issue when you are training in the field. Chuckles

I use the term “go”. It can be useful for many things – even as a substitute for “kennel.” “Back” may work also if you have your dog trained for hand signals. Just what works for me – clearly you need to start using the term with them enough to have them understand what you want from them… The dog is confused and knows that safe haven is to return to your side… so you will need to keep working on it to make them familiar with your commands – I do suggest as much use of the term in non-hunting situations as you can also, so they get comfortable with it and it won’t be an issue when you are training in the field. Chuckles

I use the word “OK” . He responds very well to it.I’ve used it since he was a pup though………..

I use the word “OK” . He responds very well to it.I’ve used it since he was a pup though………..

I use “go” with my Basset hound and well yeah, he looks at me and says ok then go yourself.
He likes to hunt pheasants with me and does a pretty good job of leading and pushing but after about 60 minutes he is done. Short legs wear out fast..lol
But he is my buddy that does pretty much what he wants when he wants. Hardest dog I ever had to try and train so far..

I use “go” with my Basset hound and well yeah, he looks at me and says ok then go yourself.
He likes to hunt pheasants with me and does a pretty good job of leading and pushing but after about 60 minutes he is done. Short legs wear out fast..lol
But he is my buddy that does pretty much what he wants when he wants. Hardest dog I ever had to try and train so far..

You might get one of those Roland Martin Rocket Rods, That will make him go. Sorry, had to do it!!!

You might get one of those Roland Martin Rocket Rods, That will make him go. Sorry, had to do it!!!

I have always used the word ok and point the direction I want my dog to go, this works well for me.

I have always used the word ok and point the direction I want my dog to go, this works well for me.

Thanks for the replys guys. Just to clarify a bit, I am using voice and whistle commands. On the go he does ok- slowing down and directional change. I should mention that I am also adding hand signals. Maybe it will just take some more time to get him started in the direction I want him to go.

Thanks for the replys guys. Just to clarify a bit, I am using voice and whistle commands. On the go he does ok- slowing down and directional change. I should mention that I am also adding hand signals. Maybe it will just take some more time to get him started in the direction I want him to go.

Don, when I teach my dogs hand signals I put the dog on a 25 ft lead and then quarter thruogh a field using exagerated hand signals to show direction. a football field or park works good. Then graduate to the dog sitting facing you, give the command and signal side stepping in that direction your dog should pick it up pretty quick

Don, when I teach my dogs hand signals I put the dog on a 25 ft lead and then quarter thruogh a field using exagerated hand signals to show direction. a football field or park works good. Then graduate to the dog sitting facing you, give the command and signal side stepping in that direction your dog should pick it up pretty quick

Thanks for the tips guys. with just a couple of days of training, he is getting the hang of it.

Thanks for the tips guys. with just a couple of days of training, he is getting the hang of it.

I used a very easy way to train hand commands. I would have the dog on a long check cord. I would set out dummies in 3 piles. Making a diamond around the dog with the dog in the middle. This of it like baseball. The dog would be the pitcher. I would have 1 pile of dummies on first base, another pile on second base, and the last pile on third base. With the dog sitting looking at you, I would give him a hand command to go fetch a dummy on 1st base( over is the command that I would use). He would go fetch the dummy and come back to the pitcher mound so to speak. I would make him come back and sit, then take the dummy from him. Then we went to second base, I would give him the back command, for hand command, I would put my hand directly over my head and tell him back. He would go and get the dummy and return and sit, I would take the dummy from him. This was a very easy way for my dogs to learn hand commands. Make sure that once the dog has a good idea of what he is doing, that you mix it up. Don’t always go in the same order or retrieves, mix it up. Make him do 1st base a few time in a row, and then go to 3 rd base. Once the dog has this mastered, then just do hand commands, no voice commands. Then you can do the same thing with the whistle.

I used a very easy way to train hand commands. I would have the dog on a long check cord. I would set out dummies in 3 piles. Making a diamond around the dog with the dog in the middle. This of it like baseball. The dog would be the pitcher. I would have 1 pile of dummies on first base, another pile on second base, and the last pile on third base. With the dog sitting looking at you, I would give him a hand command to go fetch a dummy on 1st base( over is the command that I would use). He would go fetch the dummy and come back to the pitcher mound so to speak. I would make him come back and sit, then take the dummy from him. Then we went to second base, I would give him the back command, for hand command, I would put my hand directly over my head and tell him back. He would go and get the dummy and return and sit, I would take the dummy from him. This was a very easy way for my dogs to learn hand commands. Make sure that once the dog has a good idea of what he is doing, that you mix it up. Don’t always go in the same order or retrieves, mix it up. Make him do 1st base a few time in a row, and then go to 3 rd base. Once the dog has this mastered, then just do hand commands, no voice commands. Then you can do the same thing with the whistle.

Thats a great tip Bob. I have him doing directional changes in the field but will have to work him on this. Thanks.

Thats a great tip Bob. I have him doing directional changes in the field but will have to work him on this. Thanks.

No problem. It worked great with both my blockheads and it was very easy if you think about it like baseball. Start out at short distances, so you have more control over the dog. Then range out further when the dog gets the hang of it. This was the fastest and by far the easiest thing I have ever done with the dogs, and the result came very fast. Good luck

No problem. It worked great with both my blockheads and it was very easy if you think about it like baseball. Start out at short distances, so you have more control over the dog. Then range out further when the dog gets the hang of it. This was the fastest and by far the easiest thing I have ever done with the dogs, and the result came very fast. Good luck