Dove Retriever

jacoblipford · Post by **jacoblipford** » Tue Dec 12, 2006 9:20 pm

I'm kinda new at this gun dog thing. im usually a coon dog person but i got me lab pup and wanted to train him for a dove retriever. Like a duck dog just with doves. Thanks for reading my post and any help will be greatly appreciated.

Lab Man · Post by **Lab Man** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 2:07 am

There really not much difference in training a labrador retriever to which game you prefer. There are three important things that need to be established. 1. Control 2. Prey drive 3. A good desire to retrieve. You can get all these things by having the right dog and the right training program. I suggest you get one of the two books. 10 Minute Retriever by John and Amy Dahl, or Marsh's and Meadows by James Spencer. You can see both of these books at www.coonriverkennels.com Good luck

gonehuntin' · Post by **gonehuntin'** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 7:07 am

Yes, you need books or tapes and have to follow and organized program. It's just too involved to teach you on this board.

Springer · Post by **Springer** » Wed Dec 13, 2006 12:21 pm

I would advise to not start by useing doves as they have too many pin feathers and some dogs don't like picking them up.
Start with a wing tied to a dummy then go to a bird then after he is confident with his retrieving you can go to doves.
Just be careful because they are tasty birds and can be swallowed whole in less than a second.
My lab swallowed one and got his butt chewed out for that one then he was ok.
I hunted with a guy that had a griffon and she ate three birds that day.