How to keep a dog from pointing dead birds

[Fin reaper]

I've got a 2-1/2yo rescued GWP that has fantastic points, but will point dead birds just as hard rather than fetching. Eventually he will nose the bird and fetch but it can take a while sometimes. Any suggestions?

 

[Crossing shot]

When you have a bird down, repeatedly tell the dog "dead bird." He'll learn.

My best 8 yo always points the dead birds first.

 

[Marsh]

I agree with above. That and experience....

 

[jonnyB]

And the command..."fetch."

Just be thankful the dog finds the bird!

 

[ckgsp]

sounds like he needs to go through a FF (Force Fetch) program

 

[SetterNut]

The is very typical of a young or dog with little experience with shot birds.
Keep putting the dog in birds and you will be happy with what you have.

 

[Fin reaper]

Thanks guys, I'll keep at it.

 

[BeardedBeast]

I agree with using the command "dead bird". I would also think about force fetching.

 

[jonnyB]

And what does the dog when a bird is down in the water? This might be a good exercise for the dog; tell him fetch. He'll eventually learn to bring the wet bird back and do the same on land...

 

[smittyslabs]

If the dog is retrieving, let him figure out the difference between a live bird and a dead one. Don't force him to pick up a bird, that will make him not want birds. If you do force fetch him it should not be done with birds at all. One thing you can do is throw him a couple easy retrieves with the birds landing in plain sight after each hunt. It will help him understand the difference between live and dead.