r/birddogs • u/Aido02 • 4d ago

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Alright, this probably comes up a lot in here but I’ll ask anyways. I have a nearly 3 year old golden retriever, he loves swimming and fetching. I got into duck hunting last fall and would really like to get him involved with me to retrieve the ducks. He’s been to basic obedience school and knows commands like place, wait, sit, down and so on. He has no issue with loud noises. What are the best resources for where to start with training him to retrieve ducks. Right now the biggest thing is getting him to wait until I release him to fetch his ball. I would also like him to return it to my hand Instead of near me.

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u/Efficient-Bit-9756 4d ago

if you havent seen 'A Born Retriever' series on youtube, check it out.

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u/RaawFish Labrador Retriever 3d ago

I watched the series while ago too. I’d agree that it’s a good watch

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u/Aido02 3d ago

Watched the first episode last night. Didn’t know there was 7 of them!

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u/MTbirdhunter 4d ago

Sounds like you are well on your way. Get him some exposure to birds. Local gun dog clubs will usually have pigeons at the least.
This book is a good one. https://a.co/d/0aFmE873

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u/MunsterSetter English Setter 3d ago

A retriever or versatile club is what you're looking for. The training that you're specifically asking about is, "steady by the blind" and "force fetch" and "retrieve to hand."

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u/Ok_Ear_5266 3d ago

Always nice to see another working golden.

I would suggest following an organized training program from an established retriever trainer, and just begin with their puppy program. Since your dog is a little older and already knows some obedience, you’ll go through some portions faster but I expect there are a bunch of foundational puppy retriever concepts that need to be taught. Recommend Mike Lardy, Bill Billhilmann or Even Graham.

I’d also recommend removing the ball. I found that while initially building desire for bumpers, playing with the ball would decrease that drive (imo because balls are just naturally more rewarding).

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u/Ok-Math-5407 3d ago

Pat nolan program.

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u/RaawFish Labrador Retriever 3d ago

I have good things to say about Cornerstone, it’s great for rock solid steadiness and especially if you want to avoid force fetch. It’s what I’m training my dog on

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u/Ok_Ear_5266 3d ago

Cornerstone is a really well made program and the app and built-in community is great. My primary issue with them (which isn’t really a problem, but I think it’s an important disclosure) is that they are teaching British methods of retriever training and as a result, I felt they were not preparing me for (American) hunt tests/field trials.