Training for the dog Finisher

[Mallyard]

How should I go about training my 2 year old lab to fetch out of the Avery Dog Finisher Bind? Thanks,

Mallyard

[Stephen Schwartz]

try this:

http://www.waterdogtv.com/multimedia/AveryDogFinisher/

Otherwise i would first teach him to 'kennel' in it. When he gets comfortable going in and out, and just sitting in it, then incorporate retreiving into it.

Dont throw everything at him at once. Once step at a time

[Rick Frisch]

My best luck has always been telling the dog to kennel. Usually they associate this command with going inside something. Lead the dog to the doors and command kennel or whatever command you want to use. Don't be afraid to give the dog a little push if you have to. It really doesn't take all that long to train them to use the blind. Most dogs catch on pretty quickly.

Training to be steady to shot or command, now that's a whole new ballgame.

Thanks,

[Mark Brendemuehl]

Mallyard- If your dog is kennel trained, it will be EASY. If not, it will take some repetitions, but still pretty easy to do. I use the " kennel" command with my dogs. They sleep in a kennel at night so its something they are used to. Pointing to it, just like the kennel and saying "kennel" and every one of my dogs got the program very quickly.
I would work on steadying the dog outside the blind first. When he is rock solid, then work with him IN the blind. You can still work him daily on getting him in and out though. Kennel him, and let him come out right away, gradually increasing it until he is comfortable in there. Now my dogs see it set up in the yard, and they go in on their own PRAYING for me to throw bumpers from it!
Mark

[Derek Rambo]

When I started with Champ I fed him in his "kennel", Finisher Dog Blind. He eats in a kennel every meal regardless where we are and this let's them know it is safe in there. Once you get to that point then you can start throwing bumpers out of it.....like Mark said...in no time he will crash int the back to get in there for those bumpers!!!

[Luke Cote]

Try setting up your blind in the living room and leaving it up for a few weeks. When you and your dog are watching TV have him kennel up in it. Start slow with lots of praise for even the smallest accomplishment. If he goes in while you are commanding him even for a split second be sure and tell him "good boy" and a pat on the head never hurts. You can play games with his favorite toys incorporating the blind. Don't force the issue of going in the blind you want it to be a place of comfort and security and hiding for your dog. Good Luck

[Christian Curtis]

As already stated it is really easy...You may not use the term "kennel" to get your dog in his kennel, truck, or crate but I'm sure you have some cue word that you use. Simply put him in the blind using the term and then hand throw a couple of bumpers for him to retrieve out of the blind in the yard. After both of you are comfortable with this, take him to the field with a "bird boy." Set up your ground blind beside him just like you were hunting. Go though your whole routine with a few decoys in front of the blind...calling etc. Have your buddy, who is behind both of you 5 yards or so to throw the "bird" over your head and land in the decoys. Obviously when the bird flys over your head, you shoot. This is the most realistic way to get your dog used to the blind and more importantly the new situation. This will also give you a chance to get the breaking under control in a controlled environment. Your dog will figure out pretty quick that he has to be in the blind to get a retrieve.

Good Luck!