Hello to all,

             I am new to the forum/website. I just stumbled across yall recently and had to see what this was all about. Currently I am attempting to train my spaniel mix pup to retrieve game birds in central Washington state. She retrieves a makeshift bumper that I made out of an old sock stuffed with cloth. But she doesnt want to retrieve the manufactured bumper that holds the bird wing. She'll take the wing off by throwing the bumper around, then return to me with the wing. 

 I dont want her to try to disassymble the birds upon retrieve so not sure how to get her exposed to feathers/birds and bringing them back without the use of a bumper retrieve toy. 

           Got any ideas??  

Thanks,

    Jess

Use a frozen bird and try it out. Some dogs just like the real deal. Put the pup in your hall way and close the all the doors. Stand at the open end and give it a tose this way you have full control of the pup. I'd bet you a cold beer she brings it right back let her mouth it a little if she wants but if she holds it tight just craddle her and pull her flank down she will drop it in your hand. If you need more help just hollar I'll help just about any time. Good luck and I drink Keystone light lol.

 Outstanding response. I will definately try that. So, where do I get frozen birds from in Washington? 

P.S. Once I try this out, there'll be a keystone overnighted! 

Briarhill's right. Got to a feed store if you can't run out and kill 1. they will know where to find pigeons or quail. Just gona have to ring it's neck and freeze it.

Rite on. I think I can take care of that. So, working with a dead bird first is better than a live, taped wing bird? I am thinking about gettin some and placing them so the dog can snift them out, then I could get a shot or two in and wack a couple of birds for her to work with.
Also, when I was workin with her and the bird wing, she tried to eat it. Not really the soft mouth I had seen before ( a baby robin fell out of a tree and she grabbed it but didnt kill it. I was stoked). Any tricks to get her from really chewing on the bird?

Thanks for the insight. This is my first bird dog training and I am enjoying figuring it out.

Jess,
A dead bird will be useful in the retrieve process. Keep your pup on a long line and under control during any live bird work to prevent them from catching them and developing bad habits. Granted, a live bird might help bring the "prey drive" up in a retrieve and might sharpen her up when it comes to retrieving. As for preventing her from chewing on the bird, keep her on the long line as stated before. Prompted the "fetch" command, let her go get it, and reel her in while being obnoxious about the "GOOD GIRL, ____" when she brings it back. Lots and lots of praise, and then take the bird/wing away. Make her feel special when she brings the bird/bumper back so that she is willing to bring it back and know that her reward is more you giving her lovin' than just the retrieve itself. She will start to work to please you instead of pleasing herself.

Before you just "get a shot or two in and whacking a couple", have you introduced her to guns? I would suggest picking up a few dog training books and some videos on how to introduce your spaniel pup to birds, guns, and general training. Follow a program, don't just "wing it" and hope for the best. As a dog owner (and hence a trainer,) you want to set up your little protégé up for success, not failure. I would get involved in a club or a group that can help you with hands-on in your area. A lot of people are willing to help, you just have to look for them.

Good luck with your pup,

Jessica
Freefall GSP

Well it looks like Freefall beat me to it.