Force fetch timing for my 2-year-old GSP - too late?
My German Shorthaired Pointer is coming up on 2 years old and I'm wondering if I've missed the window for force fetch. He's steady to wing and shot, retrieves to hand in the yard, but gets sloppy with birds in the field. I've been using a Dokken dummy launcher with bumpers, but he'll sometimes drop a pheasant 20 yards short. Using a Beretta A400 with Federal Prairie Storm #5s.
1 Answer
You're not too late at all - my first GSP didn't get force fetch until almost 3. The key is his steadiness foundation, which you already have. Start with a conditioned retrieve using an e-collar at the lowest working level, just enough to get a clean hold on a bumper. Do short sessions, 10-15 minutes max, and keep the pressure consistent. Once he's solid on bumpers, transition to cold game birds. What e-collar are you using? Some of the newer Garmin models have perfect settings for this transition phase.
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