Murphy doing good in the Obedience/Ecollar Program.
The Quintessential Steadiness of a Retriever in Duck Hunting: More Than Just Training
In the realm of duck hunting, the spotlight often shines on the hunter, the strategy, or the environment. Yet, an equally pivotal character in this intricate ballet of patience, skill, and timing is often four-legged and possesses an unwavering loyalty to their human counterpart. Yes, I'm talking about the steadfast retriever, an indispensable ally in the hunt. But what elevates a good retriever to a great one is not just its ability to fetch or obey but its steadiness.
Steadiness in a retriever is the hallmark of excellence. It transcends mere obedience, embedding itself into the very fabric of the dog's behavior. It's a testament to their ability to wait, watch, and act only when the time is right. This quality cannot be overstated, as a retriever that rushes into the water at the first sound of a gunshot can not only disrupt the hunt but also put itself in harm's way.
However, one of the most profound realizations I've come to understand about training retrievers is that steadiness has nothing to do with age. It's a mindset. This realization shatters the misconception that steadiness is an attribute that can only be honed over years and through the harsh rigidity of command. Instead, it's about teaching patience and calmness in all aspects of life. It's about integrating these virtues into the daily routine, making them as natural to the dog as breathing.
Training a retriever to remain steady is not just about making them a better hunting companion. It's about fostering a mindset that prepares them for the unpredictability of both the hunt and life itself. A steady dog is not merely one that sits quietly by your side awaiting instructions; it's a dog that understands the value of patience, the importance of timing, and the wisdom of restraint.
Incorporating this mindset into training does not require an authoritarian approach but rather a consistent and understanding one. I
HUNTING DOG SAFETY TIP:
I’ve searched the internet for this tip, expecting someone to have shared it before, but surprisingly, I couldn’t find any videos or articles on the subject. So, here it is, a potentially life-saving idea for duck hunters. I hope you never have to use it.
As duck hunters, we’ve all heard tragic stories of dogs sent out on ice to retrieve ducks, only for the ice to break, leaving them stranded. This tip could be a lifesaver for your hunting companions. While avoiding such situations through wise decisions is crucial, having an extendable fiberglass decoy retriever pole, commonly used for retrieving decoys, might just save your dog’s life in an emergency. By extending the pole and using the hook to reach your dog’s collar, you could, potentially, provide them with the leverage needed to get back onto the ice and to safety. It’s a valuable tool to have in your duck blind for those unthinkable situations. The most important consideration is whether or not that days hunt is going to be safe for your dog to go on.
If you found this information helpful, please consider liking and subscribing to Retriever Ridge Kennels on all social media platforms for more valuable insights, but more importantly share this video with all your hunting buddies. Have a safe hunting season!
#RetrieverRidgeKennels #HuntingDogSafety #IcyConditions #RetrieverTraining #DogSafetyTips #WinterSafety #HuntingSeason #OutdoorSafety #DuckDogs
Field Dog Life workshop in Cleveland, Ohio.
Thank you Field Dog Life for the invitation to come up to Cleveland, Ohio to work with the dogs up there. Enjoyed the trip and hope it was beneficial to all.
GAUGE makin plays.
#RetrieverRidgeKennels #DuckDog
Do Targeting Drills with your puppy and you’ll see this kind of result early on.
MICKEY doing great in our Obedience/E Collar Program and about to graduate home. She’s a happy girl. GO MICKEY! #retrieverridgekennels #obedience #ecollartraining
MILLER getting reps with her owner before coming back in for training. GO MILLER!!
Even when the hunt is over… it’s never over for DEKE. ALWAYS on point.
GAUGE at 14 months old in his first week of his first duck season this year.
If you own a retriever, chances are you are considering introducing them to the exciting world of duck hunting. Retrievers are intelligent and hardworking dogs that were bred specifically for hunting, and it can be tempting to take them out into the field as soon as possible. However, it is important to remember that hunting is not something that should be taken lightly, and there are several reasons why you should not hunt your retriever until they have had formal training.
Hunting can be dangerous for inexperienced dogs. Retrievers are at risk of getting injured or lost in the field, especially if they are not properly trained and supervised. Formal training will teach your retriever how to navigate the terrain, follow commands, and stay safe while hunting.
Hunting requires a high level of obedience and control. In order to be successful in the field, your retriever must be able to follow commands and stay focused on the task at hand. Formal training will help your retriever develop the necessary skills and discipline to be a valuable member of your hunting team.
Hunting requires physical and mental endurance. Retrievers are active and energetic dogs that need to be in good physical shape to hunt effectively. Formal training will help your retriever build the necessary muscle tone and endurance to handle the demands of hunting.
Hunting requires a strong bond between dog and handler. In order to be successful in the field, your retriever must trust and respect you as their handler. Formal training will help you establish a strong bond with your dog and improve communication and teamwork.
Overall, it is important to remember that hunting is not something to be taken lightly. By taking the time to properly train and prepare your retriever, you can help ensure a safe and successful hunting experience for both you and your beloved companion.
Keith Allison
Retriever Ridge Kennels
#retrieve
Frequently, we get an opportunity to help coach new puppy owners through their new dog’s Puppy Development before they come in for training.
Smoke and his owner have done a fantastic job with all of Smoke’s Puppy Development before he comes in for Formal Training at 6 months of age this February and had asked for more guidance into his puppy development.
In evaluating their progress, he had done a fantastic job of teaching place/kennel training him with treats to a platform so much that I encouraged him to begin some white bucket targeting drills with treats starting up close in the yard and progressing to what you see in this video. This is how far he has progressed this talented 16 week old puppy to this stage of his puppy development to the point of introducing him to the idea/concept of running a line past and behind an old mark off of a winger that you can see in the video.
When you start with good genetics and put your ego to the side and TEACH TEACH TEACH your puppy, shaping and guiding it into it’s potential… sometimes the limitation is your own limitations and not what your working with. You get out what you put into it.
Really proud of this team!! Keep up the awesome work!
Smoke is out of one of Swenson Retrievers breedings with FC-AFC “LUKE”.
GO, SMOKE!!!
Ready for chilly morning boat rides and wet dogs.
