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I have a 3 yr old male yellow lab that has been an excellent duck dog for the past 2 yrs, but this year he has developed a problem. He has started "short-stopping" on long retrieves (>60 yds), both marked and blind. On shorter retrieves, he marks, goes on command to get the bird, takes right, left and back commands fine (if needed on blinds) and comes right back. On longer retrieves he goes out about 30-35 yds, starts looking for the bird and won't take the back command. He takes a left or right command fine, but he will not go back. Any suggestions on fixing this problem? This problem is new to this year, he did not have this problem last year. I probably did not work with him enough on long retrieves before the season, but hind-sight is 20/20. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Hey, email Private message me with your email address.

Stretch him out. Have your hunting buddy walk around your hunting area, with a bag of bumpers. Throw him some longer marks, with your hunting buddy visible, to help draw him out. Fun and easy for you... sucks for your hunting buddy. A 4 wheeler (or boat) makes it easier on hunting buddy. travis

Set a pile of dummies about 25 yards from the dog. Let him see you place the dummies. Send him on a mark. When he retrieves one, back him about 50 yards away from the pile. Remember, he knows there are more there from his first retrieve. Then move farther away. This builds confidence in the dog. Repeat the steps several times.

The next day do the same steps except don't let him see you place the dummies. Send him on a blind about 20-25 yards away. Then back him up and send him on another blind and repeat the steps.

The third day,send him on a long blind. When he completes the blind, don't do anymore. Put him up. If he doesn't, go back to step 2 until he finally performs on the long blind.

Hope this helps.