Gun Dog Forum

EvanG

Thanks for input guys.... Let me pick your brain again. Stopping on whistle and casting.....he does it well with one issue. Takes off for 150 yard "back" line. I sit him on the whistle....he faces the pile that is 40-50 yards in front of him. He will not turn around to look at me for direction. I u...

EvanG

Unless you're interested in developing a field trial dog, the better method/program is Smartwork for Retrievers. Here's a look at how we start pups on real birds. http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Evan+Graham+videos&&view=detail&mid=71D4999F3E8A6E203D6A71D4999F3E8A6E203D6A&rvsmid=9C2E9ACCCB2C19937...

EvanG

I watched some vidios on force fetch, built a table and trained my dog FF after she started not fetching wild birds. Use lots of patience. don't get hard on the dog and you will not screw him up. Work at it day after day until he gives in. My dog fetches perfectly on command and I think we are clos...

EvanG

Use a retriever puppy program that prepares you pup for a formal training program. The Smartwork Puppy Program DVD is designed for working retriever pups. http://www.evan-graham.net Do it right the first time. EvanG Thanks. Is the puppy DVD available on its own, or do I have to buy the whole packag...

EvanG

Use a retriever puppy program that prepares you pup for a formal training program. The Smartwork Puppy Program DVD is designed for working retriever pups. www.evan-graham.net

Do it right the first time.

EvanG

EvanG

I think the easiest answer here is make her hold it properly. Why are you allowing her to hold it like a cigar? Its okay to go back and revisit hold. Use the dummy and put it in her mouth and say Hold. You are the one positioning it so it should never be a cigar hold unless you are putting it in he...

EvanG

Your dog will cheerfully accept the lowest standard you will tolerate.

EvanG

EvanG

Let's disregard the flushing lab part.. Lol Any suggestions for training DVDs? Any one have any for sale or any feedback, thanks in advance As part of the Smartwork system is a DVD called In The Field. You'll find a very effective quarter & flush drill in it. It's the most complete and detailed pro...

EvanG

How did you train him to this point? Did you follow any certain program?

EvanG

EvanG

I've only been a pro for 36 years That's pretty condescending. You'll get over it. The rest of that statement is that I'm still willing to learn. Apparently you are not. I've said nothing about flank collar use being a non valid use. I've only questioned the conditioning process...not condemned it,...

EvanG

Double post

EvanG

Who said I was using the stimulation without a command? I was trying to give the op a a down and dirty of how the ecollar on the flank is used. Maybe if you familiarized yourself with some other methods like the silent command system you would understand. The entire system is built on steps and a v...

EvanG

Gordon Guy wrote:Where can a person get the book and or DVD? Is there a website?

Here is the link to our site. Click on the "Store" tab.

http://www.evan-graham.net/

EvanG

EvanG

no I did not teach hold I inforced it ..the difference to me is Evan teaches hold and I was forcing hold.. just wondering why he does not use force ...also I have a young dog that I will be starting this week and I think I may follow his dvd ..I am just curious why he teaches hold without force and...

EvanG

Old post but I am wondering the same thing. It's far more efficient with the books. They're meant to work together. The written explanations and diagrams add another dynamic dimension. One of the DVD's you'll be getting is called "In the Field". On that DVD is a course on training the upland skill ...

EvanG

The using the collar as a "command" is, when you get down to the brass tacks, no different than most force fetch programs. Of course it is. The ear pinch (or toe hitch) pressure during FF does not arrive 'cold', at least not as done by the many top trainers I'm associated with. The pressure used is...

EvanG

stim on the flank means stop, stim on the neck means come to me or find me. That sounds like you're using the e-collar as a command, rather than as a tool to enforce commands. If that is the case you're minimizing the value of a dynamic tool. Stimulation without a command, voice or whistle, is what...

EvanG

We just got a new lab puppy four weeks ago and my husband wants to start hunting. How do we go about the training process for our puppy? This is all new for us so any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Your pup is a retriever. Give him what he needs. The SMARTWORK PUPPY PROGRAM...

EvanG

Suggestions or comments please....it is very hard for a novice to know/understand if he is doing things right(if training is progressive as it should) I really have no benchmarks with which to judge. My Brittany is learning to retrieve. I did not ff. He is 100% on retrieves (on land) and with limit...

EvanG

This isn't the best quarter & flush drill, but it's okay and you can watch it on You Tube. It's the same principle as the better ones. Rick Stawski (Fowl Dawgs author) has a better one on one of his DVDs, and like mine, he uses real birds. That's really a better way to go. But the basic dynamics are...

EvanG

I guess all I'm saying is, I don't want to have an extra command while hunting or testing. If you are willing to learn and perform force fetch correctly you will give only one command that encompasses all aspects of "fetch". But FF is not just one thing. "Hold" means just that; hold what you have i...

EvanG

You're doing a nice job, especially with your mechanics. The atmosphere appears a little "dry"; not relaxed and upbeat enough. My favorite 'Rex-ism' is "Leave something in it for the dog." What does he have to look forward to in each session. It has to be more than you stuffing a roller in his mouth...

EvanG

I'm using "Smart Fetch" and I've been working with my dog for about a week now. We usually do about 4, 10 minute sessions a day. I wondering if I'm doing something wrong or if this is normal. He is improving but at a snails pace. I've gotten him to where he will hold the roller without me holding i...

EvanG

Any chance you might post up some video of what you typically do in daily training?

EvanG

EvanG

No. Sounds like a clerical error on the title, (happens from time to time :wink: ), that's not FF. Please pay attention to this. What is described as FF without force is like archery without arrows. FF means force fetch, so named for the critical element "force". Lacking force it's not force fetch....

EvanG

I been working with a recent 4 yr old black lab I adopted from a plantation several months ago (Remmy). Remmy was supposedly the plantation duck dog, but no one has took the time to train with him recently. He's got most of the formal obedience down other than "place". If I walk to where I want him...

EvanG

Mike, EvanG A direct answer is "no", it cannot be taught. It can be cultivated, and if a dog has any measure of it that means it can be developed to a higher state. But, if a dog has no prey drive you've got what you've got. Fortunately, most dogs have some degree of drive in them, even if it requir...

EvanG

Okay. How old is the dog? What else can he do? Do you have a question about training?

EvanG

EvanG

You won't know what you've got until you've spent some training time with this dog. It's important to realize that he doesn't know how old he is. And, like my old friend and mentor D.L. Walters said, "your dog doesn't know how old he is, what breed or color he is. He's just a dog." Don't treat him d...

EvanG

Double post

EvanG

SwitchGrassWPG wrote:We don't own cookie cutter dogs, so why follow cookie cutter programs...

Which are the cookie cutter programs? Which ones do you know thoroughly enough to make that judgment of?

EvanG

EvanG

I just realized that earlier and addressed it. Haha I didn't know it was actually Evan graham. I respect his opinion very much. And it may come down to force fetching I just hope I don't have to that's all. I would like to be clear on this. You don't have to FF a Gundog. I Strongly suggest it becau...

EvanG

I personally would recommend force fetch no matter if the dog delivers to hand or not. Force fetch for a retriever is more than just delivery to hand. It will teach him how to deal with pressure among a host of other things. Do not skip force fetch in my opinion. That is correct. You'll miss out on...

EvanG

I read where some guy's teaching fetch require their dog's to pick up and carry anything they feel like using. How could a tennis ball hurt. I've used them and sticks pretty much what ever I feel like throwing. Dobbs advocates forcing dogs on a wide variety of objects. I'm with you. Dogs have been ...

EvanG

I'd suggest Evan Graham's system; clear, easy to follow, and he's willing to help when needed. Next, let your puppy be a puppy. Finally, don't use the R-word. It's the mental health equivalent of the N-word, or a multitude of other racial slurs. http://www.evan-graham.net/DVD_banner_for_website.jpg...

EvanG

gonehuntin' wrote:A lower level of training will NEVER result in better hunting performance from a dog.

This is what is called "profundity" at its finest.

EvanG

EvanG

At 9 weeks , take it slowly, BUT never call the pup and NOT follow through. Get off the couch or leave whatever you are doing every time you call and pup doesn't come. This will result in a dog that comes every time you call. Read this several times. I start them on the command "Here" at about 7 we...

EvanG

We're at four days since your original post. Still having trouble? Can you at least use your phone and shoot some video so this issue can be seen?

EvanG

EvanG

I have been reading posts from 2004. With my limited knowledge it seems that posts concerning e-collar use were more critical or at least skeptical than in 2014. Is that because.....??? Are there still absolute " never do this" concepts when using an e-collar? There never were "never do's" , so muc...

EvanG

For those who may still be allowing themselves to think objectively here, "yes", prong & choke collars can be dangerous. So can a rolled up newspaper. As a pro with over 36 years experience I can tell you this, however. No dog was ever hurt by a choke collar, a prong collar, or an e-collar. Dogs hav...

EvanG

A couple things stand out to me here. First, it has to be prominently considered that the pup is 5 months old, and on the cusp of formal training. That will help a ton! His mindset and overall attitudes will begin to mature visibly. For now, measures like the zig zag drill would be appropriate. What...

EvanG

mowermandan - There are many ways to get from here to there with a dog. There is no wrong choice of tool if you use them correctly. I have, at various times with various dogs, used a choke chain, a prong collar, a pinch collar and a wonder lead. They all will work. The main advantage, in my mind, t...

EvanG

Thanks Evan , the answer to my question is "No" then. I thought it would be but wanted to make sure. Bill T. You're welcome Bill. I've always thought your trials presented a closer approximation to hunting challenges than our trials do, although they're more upland. Ours are more focused on waterfo...

EvanG

I see. Thanks for the explanation Bill. It would not happen in a US trial because dogs are run one at a time on uniform tests, and scores are measured against each other at the end of the trial. There are usually four tests called "series". It usually goes like this; 1st series = land marks, 2nd ser...

EvanG

What does that mean Bill?

EvanG

EvanG

Evan, Do you have a preferred company to buy from, as in I buy from a specified place and it helps support the website, or certain organization. Just curious Thanks, Lvrgsp The best is our site at http://www.evan-graham.net . Click on the store tab. If it is already bred to do it , then why teach i...

EvanG

jfwhit wrote:Rookie trainer here. I'm assuming even though its focused on labs. It is versital for all breeds?

Yes. In fact you will see versatile dogs going through the program on the DVD.

EvanG

EvanG

http://www.evan-graham.net/Testimonials ... ments.html

Enjoy your reading! Lots of them on that page, and more if you need them.

EvanG

EvanG

Marsh Mutt wrote:Have a year old gsp (Riddick) he will run and pick up every bumper I throw. But when in water he will mouth it till it gets to the very end. Wont drop it but looks like hes going to. Any suggestions or advice is helpful

He needs to be fully force fetched. Is that in your plans?

EvanG

EvanG

No, it means you haven't properly done formal obedience. It's time for that, getting and following a program, then learning to e collar condition. That is exactly right. A solid program will begin by formalizing obedience and then force fetch, then basic handling, and then water force & swim-by. Al...

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