Training your dog to stay closer

I’m not speaking from experience, it’s a challenge for me, but I have to constantly check in with my dogs using the vibe function on the collar, sometimes using the e function if they’re non-compliant…light cover is a challenge, heavy cover not as much…the last cover I hunted today, a small cattail slough that I knew had birds, I was very careful as I approached, staying well away from it taking great pains to not have my 3 labs drift into it too early…I was walking with the wind, which was pretty strong…that helped, no hot scent to distract them, luckily…hard to have control with multiple dogs, but I needed them to all get some field time…
 
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Bowhunter has hit on some good topics. I suspect there are some loose ends/ holes on your basic obedience training as the dog is hunting for themselves rather than a team. With basic obedience being the “boring” part of training, many rush through these stages and end up going back to the beginning stages. I agree this is an off season project so it’s not the “easy way” you were looking for.

If the plan is to continue to hunt this year (I wouldn’t as you most likely will create more issues than what you currently have) you will have to decide if you want to hustle after the dog or let it keep flushing birds out of range.

The easy way would be to drop the dog off at a pro. Only effort required is writing a check…
 
BTW, congratulations on the pup and welcome to the dark side. I’m surprised you got Skye and Roxy to approve this addition!
 
gim said:
E-collar training
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I wouldn't encourage that if the dog has not been through a basic obedience training program. After my dogs have been through OB, CC, and FF I begin quartering work. It takes 3 people and best started on a football field or open area, not in tall grass. 2 helpers on the sides about 20 yds away from me and slightly in front. I am in the middle with the dog at heel. Each helper has about 6 bumpers. I command hunt em up and the helper on one side yells Hey Hey Hey and tosses a bumper a few feet to the front. The dog goes for the retrieve and I immediately blow the whistle for a delivery to hand. And then we repeat with the helper on the other side yelling Hey Hey Hey and tossing a bumper. We work down the field, then repeat coming back. After a couple of days, the dog is developing a pattern in range. Then we progress to each helper shooting a training pistol with acorn crimps tossing a bumper. Then progress to only a few bumpers and replacing Hey Hey Hey to a whistle where the dog turns. Then we progress to tossing birds then to planting birds. After a few weeks the dog has a pattern and know the expected range. With strong obedience, collar conditioning, and a whistle sit you have a way to enforce a correction when the dog gets too far. Running roosters are a different story but with a whistle sit you have control.
 
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westksbowhunter said:
I wouldn't encourage that if the dog has not been through a basic obedience training program.
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Mine went through basic training and they taught me how to continue using an e-collar afterwards.

I've only had to buzz my dog once in nearly 14 years. Just the simple task of placing the e-collar on her changes her demeanor immediately.
 
Isn't that what I said? Basic Obedience comes first. Doesn't sound like this dog has been through a training program. You can't re-enforce with the collar what the dog doesn't know. The progression is OB, CC, then FF for a basic 3 month program.
 
I have the tone button in hand nearly all the time. Pain in the ass but it works. That said, The Shady Lady don’t quit. Ready to rock all day every day at 8 yrs old. Very durable and just the sweetest relaxed girl in the house and truck.
 
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