Feather Aversion in a Lab Pup

J

Jayhawk1992

New member
Hey Guys & Gals,

Does anyone have any recommendations on how I can work with my 5.5 month old lab pup to get over her feather aversion?

I had my pup on wings at a reasonably young age (12 weeks). she absolutely loves pheasant/duck/pigeon wings. She carries them around and will try to pull out the feathers and chew if she gets the chance.

However, after a recent trip up to a trainer for an evaluation we found out she had a feather aversion, she would try and pick up a frozen quail by the feet or head. She would carry the bird for small distances an drop it often. Would the bird being frozen have any effect? I was sent home with a few birds to work with her on before I delivered her back for a pup program but couldn't get her habits to improve

What should I do?
 
I bet it's the frozen bird. Thaw one and find out, or better yet pluck the flight feathers on a pigeon and let the games begin! Either way I wouldn't worry about it.

I'm rather surprised an evaluation was done with a frozen bird, a live flapping pigeon is more the norm. I know my dogs prefer a frozen bird to a bumper but nothing comes close to a live or fresh killed bird.

PS have a check cord on pup when you throw the pigeon. Do not expect steadiness or force the dog to return to you. Use body English and verbal coxing to get pup back to you. At this point it's all about fun with out promoting bad habits.
 
Gatzby,

We first evaluated with a few homing pigeons, the pup has a real strong point so the trainer doesn't want her catching live birds. Could this also be due to teething? She has no problems with bumpers.

I'll have them switch to freshly killed quail and see if that helps.
 
Jayhawk1992 said:
Gatzby,

We first evaluated with a few homing pigeons, the pup has a real strong point so the trainer doesn't want her catching live birds. Could this also be due to teething? She has no problems with bumpers.

I'll have them switch to freshly killed quail and see if that helps.
Click to expand...

Wow! I sure missed the obvious. Teething could definetly be it, at 5.5 months your in the teething age. Some dogs won't even pick up a paint roller when teething and others will carry rocks around it just depends on the dog! Have fun let us know how it goes

Steve
 
Most trainers won't take a dog in for training until after 6 months and all their puppy teeth are gone. I have had problems with incredible retrievers not liking the feel of a frozen bird the first time they go to pick it up. I wouldn't worry to much about your pup, keep it fun for now and they will learn what they need to over time.
 
Golden and West, He introduced my pup by placing homing pigeons,he threw the frozen quail after the intro session. Im guessing in an effort to gauge natural retrieve/interest.
 
That changes nothing. He is not training a pup but testing a pup. And that my friend is not how it is done. I would never put a pup on frozen birds until they are solid on freshly killed pigeons. Your pup does not have a "Feather Aversion". It just has not been introduced to birds correctly. As far as feathers, I have never used them to teach a puppy anything.

One step at a time. I don't think any quality trainer would introduce a puppy to a live pigeon and then turn around and follow it up with a frozen a quail. Not trying to insult but this guy is not going to help your young pup.
 
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