Hold the Line
THE podcast for force-free gundog training! Hold the Line is committed to helping you to train your dog to an advanced level, using motivational methods and without the use of fear. Or pain. Or anything else nasty.
Hold the Line
Episode 116 - help, my dog won't pick game!
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Jo Laurens
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Episode 116
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In this episode, I talk about how to help dogs make the transition to picking up game.
Why game is not like anything else
Dogs need time to check out the novelty (no pressure)
Cold game vs warm game
Setting up a training session with cold game
What is likely to happen when the dog reaches the game
Reminding the dog of your existence
Moving further away to create conflict
Animating the game to evoke predatory sequence
What progress looks like (not a full pick-up usually!)
Delivering food after the click around game
The 'operant' dog (who can do standard pick-ups on game)
Stop when you've made any progress (don't keep going for diminishing returns)
How it can feel like an insurmountable hurdle (but then there can be a breakthrough)