Fur and feather dilemma

GUNDOG TRAINING

I was late introducing my previous dog to retrieving fur and feather, and we had some difficulties because of that. I now have a nine-month-old springer puppy that is keen and eager. I don’t want to fall into the same trap. I’m a bit concerned he will find fur and feather too exciting compared with canvas dummies and I could end up where I was before. Any tips?

As with any training, every dog is different and approaches new challenges in different ways. We’ve all seen youngsters in training introduced to their first cold game and dive on it and start playing with it.

While it can make you fear the worst, in most cases it’s usually puppy exuberance. With plenty of encouragement, your fears of a fur and feather chewer will be allayed and the puppy will proudly, though usually rather untidily, bring the game back to you.

I would advise tackling the introduction to the real thing sooner rather than later. In doing this, you need to reduce the opportunity to damage the game or see it as a plaything. You also need to take the excitement out of the situation so that you are not over-stimulating the puppy.

Initially, you could start by using a canvas dummy with feathers or a wing attached, or even a fur-covered dummy.

These are all available from gundog training kit suppliers.

Then progress to a small hen pheasant, partridge or pigeon from the freezer, but make sure it is not like a block of ice. To reduce the temptation to play with it, wrap it up in something or tie something around it. A small, lightweight, canvas bag made for the job can be useful or even a pair of tights.

Don’t throw the retrieve at the beginning — place it a few yards in front of you to avoid the excitement of the ‘throw’. Send the puppy and encourage him back quickly and praise him generously.

As his confidence grows, you can progress to throwing it a short distance, but keep the bird in the bag or keep it covered.

Once he has got used to the new texture and scent, and you feel confident, you could tie a wing to the outside of the bag or the bundle, take the bird out of the bag or remove any cover. But rather than continuing to throw the retrieve at this stage, you must once again revert to the ‘placing’ of the bird and then send the dog for it.

The aim of this gradual introduction to holding and carrying fur and feather (without damaging it or playing with it) is based on not over-stimulating the puppy, which will inevitably create problems. He has to see this as simply an extension to retrieving the canvas dummies you have been working with. JH

A dummy with feathers or a wing attached is a good way to introduce a puppy to game