Gun Dog Trainee ~ Bird Introduction

[Irishwhistler]

Bird Introduction 101 ~ TTF JACKSON LAD O' CLOONFINISH - call name "JACKSON".

Gun dog trainee JACKSON is seen during his introduction to live birds (training pigeons) during a session held this morning. Ye might say we released the "inner wolf" to enhance JACKSON'S prey drive during this drill. JACKSON was more than willing to engage with birds right from the start of the session and was less willing to release his captive. Worked on a long check cord, I was able to coax JACKSON back to my side on the "place platform" where he was praised verbally and the bird taken from him after allowing for a short duration of possession by the retriever trainee. Several repetitions of this drill had JACKSON completely crazed for bird contact. It will now be time to start the process of HOLD conditioning and that will lead forward to FORCE FETCH conditioning, both essential elements in the development of the conditioned retrieve and proper mouth habits for a soft carriage and delivery of birds to the hand of the trainer on command.

Young JACKSON is coming along very nicely and demonstrates excellent potential.

Cheers,
THE DOG WHISTLER

 

[K9Kirk]

Nice pic! He's not unlike me with a Wendy's double.