Training off-season

[Proud lab owner]

Hi all. I’m new to the forum. The question I have is- my 22 month lab is working exceptionally well on game days. Her retrieving is first class. But what do I do with her after the season ends next week? I’m worried she will get fed up with dummies but giving her a break isn’t much of an option as she gets bored very easily. Any advice on how to mix things up?

[Springfield Pointers]

Welcome. You'll find that the dogs pick things up very quickly again when the season starts up. To be honest, my dogs used to spend a lot of time lying about putting on a bit of weight in the off-season. Obviously keep the rules and don't let them get totally uncontrollable, but I think that it's not necessary to be too regimented. The off season can be a great time to just build up a closeness with your dog. That understanding between you translates well into the field. Like all things, don't overthink it. These animals are not robots.

[westcountry]

In many ways the off season is a good chance to recollect on our shortfalls and work on them as the daylight hours and weather become more practical.
Dont allow the dog to become bored with dummies. All mine have worked on game but all still love to train on dummies, even one at 13 years old. Make training fun.

[Naj]

I’d agree with SP. Dogs learn in context and so you can’t really replicate shooting field conditions other than in the shooting field. And dogs don’t forget so yours should slip back into shooting field mode next season. Once I’m shooting over a dog I don’t really do much by way of training outside of shooting over them, save for maintaining good manners and recalls etc. so mine are very comfortable in pet mode. I just have to take the gun out and they slip back into shooting dog mode. Dogs don’t forget how to retrieve and hunt so there’s no particular need to do anything gundog wise through the close season unless you’re interested in working tests or training classes. Many gundogs also spend their life as pets and owners make the mistake of only working on the gundog side resulting in the dog always being switched on, which can lead to frustration when there’s nothing to be switched on for. So it’s a good idea to develop the off switch so your dogs are comfortable switching between Work and pet mode. More relaxing for you and the dog.

Naj

[trekmoor]

Take her pigeon shooting.

Wullie

[CockerCanuck]

I largely agree with SP, and Naj however we are making the assumption that your lab is also a house dog and gets lots of human contact and mental stimulation through everyday life. However, if its a kennel dog I think you do owe it more stimulation and activity on a regular basis and training is the easiest way to do this.

I agree dogs don't really learn to "hunt" except in the context of the field. However, they can, and do, learn some of the basic skill sets used through formal training. I go train a couple of times a week with a group of guys who field trial retrievers in my off season. I don't trial but my dog certainly enjoys these outings and he has benefited a lot. His marking has gotten much better because with helpers you can regularly work on retrieves much much further than you can throw yourself. The high standard that these guys demand on delivery and multiple retrieves also stretched my dog's horizons and performance. I don't find they get board with dummies as long as the retrieves themselves are challenging and you keep it down to less than 8-10 a session. (some are fine with many more, some would be better with less).

[crackerd]

Hi all. I’m new to the forum. The question I have is- my 22 month lab is working exceptionally well on game days. Her retrieving is first class. But what do I do with her after the season ends next week? I’m worried she will get fed up with dummies but giving her a break isn’t much of an option as she gets bored very easily. Any advice on how to mix things up?

Come to the good ol' USA (49th parallel and above eligibility also extended!) and join one or more of our "Training Culture Clubs" - you wouldn't be the first expat to jump in and jump on for a good ride!

MG

[Springfield Pointers]

Hi all. I’m new to the forum. The question I have is- my 22 month lab is working exceptionally well on game days. Her retrieving is first class. But what do I do with her after the season ends next week? I’m worried she will get fed up with dummies but giving her a break isn’t much of an option as she gets bored very easily. Any advice on how to mix things up?

Come to the good ol' USA (49th parallel and above eligibility also extended!) and join one or more of our "Training Culture Clubs" - you wouldn't be the first expat to jump in and jump on for a good ride!

MG

Which side of the Mason Dixon line are you based, MG?

[crackerd]

Hi all. I’m new to the forum. The question I have is- my 22 month lab is working exceptionally well on game days. Her retrieving is first class. But what do I do with her after the season ends next week? I’m worried she will get fed up with dummies but giving her a break isn’t much of an option as she gets bored very easily. Any advice on how to mix things up?

Come to the good ol' USA (49th parallel and above eligibility also extended!) and join one or more of our "Training Culture Clubs" - you wouldn't be the first expat to jump in and jump on for a good ride!

Which side of the Mason Dixon line are you based, MG?

SP, that's almost a trick (and loaded) question in these parts!

The least equivocating answer I can provide is that I mostly reside in what used to be a slave state on the Mason-Dixon Line.

Oh, and it used to be a big bobwhite state, too - used to be...

MG

[EssGrouse]

Give the dog a few month off, you train out of season for the sake of it and thats usually when the dog goes down hill.

Polish up just before the season starts, let the dog grow and relax.

Bollocks it cant be left alone, walk the thing.