I have put this tutorial together to assist JGHV (German) dog owners with force fetching their dogs in preparation for the HZP (Fall Breed Test) and the VGP (Utility Test). Non-JGHV owners may find it useful, but several of the drills that I run are specifically designed to prepare dogs for HZP and VGP test subjects. Force Fetch is a really fun and incredibly rewarding part of training dogs. I love seeing dogs progress in their training every single day. I love seeing the dogs’ confidence grow as they learn what you expect of them and work hard to please you. In this series, I do use some negative enforcement to ensure 100% compliance, but you will see that positive reinforcement (both verbal and with treats) is MUCH more commonly used. I have recorded every single training session with an 11-month old Deutsch Drahthaar to illustrate the process of training…which includes a lot of successes, but also mistakes and tips on correcting them. The videos also emphasize that you really only have to train 15-45 minutes per day for a few weeks to successfully complete a force fetch program. Force Fetch is training that takes place every single day for 3-6 weeks (depending on your experience level and your dog’s temperament). You should select a time when you will be able to commit 15-45 minutes per day training with your pup. In my opinion, the best time to force fetch your pup is usually immediately following the completion of your hunting season, and yet before the VJP. February works great here in Nebraska so that is when this video series is based. If that time frame doesn’t work for you because of your pup’s age or other life obligations, then the next best time to start force fetch is immediately following the VJP. This should give you time to complete this training, as well as the other training necessary for the HZP. Before starting force fetch, it is extremely helpful if your dog is already well-versed in the following obedience commands: sit, stay, heel, halt, and come. I have force fetched client dogs that were not consistent in these commands and it is possible, it just takes longer and sessions do not go as smoothly. You will also want to have a good treat on hand for positive reinforcement. Cheese is much cheaper than traditional dog treats and every dog I’ve trained has loved it. I just buy a block of cheese at Walmart (the Colby & Monterrey Jack seems to have the best constitution for this) and cut it up into little bite-sized cubes. Next, you should be sure that you have a nice selection of training dummies. It is important to have several different ones to swap out to increase your dog’s confidence in retrieving anything and everything. And finally, you should be sure to have a good supply of frozen game on hand. Contact your breeder if you need assistance in securing game. Do not worry about the staying on the same timeline as the Drahthaar in this series. She is my personal dog that I have raised since 8 weeks of age. And she is also the 24th dog that I have worked through force fetch at the time of filming. If this is your first dog, you might expect your pace to be slower. Through these videos, I am simply trying to break down the individual steps that a JGHV dog owner would want to take in preparing their dog for a HZP or VGP. I am recording every single session so that you can see the successes and the times when it is necessary to issue corrections. Hopefully this will help you learn to read your dog better to determine when a correction is necessary versus when some more encouragement is all they need. Follow your own dog’s cues to determine if you should be progressing faster through individual force fetch steps to challenge them, or slowing down to build up their confidence. Your dog may have an easier time with some drills than others. And most importantly, have fun with this training. I hear people complain all the time that they don’t like force fetch. These people have not done it correctly. Force fetch should be a fun way for you to spend time with your dog every day. Your dog is going to be so happy to have designated time alone with you every day, especially when they realize that they will get lots of praise and cheese! You will build a much stronger bond with your dog. Whether you are planning to run your pup through the HZP and/or VGP, or just hunt a ton with the dog, building a stronger bond is going to benefit both of you for many years to come. Put in the time, progress patiently through the steps, and you will be impressed by the new language that you and your dog develop through the dance that is force fetch training. Other videos regarding raising/training Deutsch Drahthaars and other JGHV breeds can be found on my YouTube channel @Prairie-Flusstal or https://www.youtube.com/@Prairie-Flus....
