How to Train a Dog to Retrieve Birds

Teaching a dog to retrieve birds is a task that requires persistence and patience. However, training a dog is a great way to bond with the animal. Being in the field with a trusted companion provides countless hours of pleasure remembered for years to come.

Things You'll Need

  • retrieving dummies
  • blank gun
  • whistle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure the dog knows its name and comes when called.

    • 2

      Build a bond of attachment with the dog so it wants to be around you. Take the dog with you when you go places, and play with it often.

    • 3

      Teach the dog basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, heel and down. Most important is the command "Come."

    • 4

      Teach the dog to fetch. Start by throwing retrieving dummies at short distances. Progress to greater distance as the dog is able. Most bird dogs perform this instinctively.

    • 5

      Introduce the dog to the gun. Use a .22-caliber blank gun while the pup is playing so the dog will become use to the sound and won't be scared by it.

    • 6

      Teach whistle commands and hand signals. The short whistle is used to signal stop. Trill the whistle for the dog to come. Double toot to signal the dog to look back for hand signals. Point the dog in the direction you wish it to proceed.

    • 7

      Use retrieving dummies with your commands. Start by letting the dog see the dummies. Progress to hiding scented dummies and directing the dog to them using whistle commands and hand signals.