Tackling the "Sticky Sendout": A Guide to Encouraging a Confident Retrieve in Your Gundog
A "sticky sendout," the frustrating reluctance of a gundog to leave its handler's side for a retrieve, can be a common hurdle in training. This hesitation can manifest as a dog that remains glued to the handler, shows a lack of enthusiasm, or takes significant coaxing to be sent on its way. Rectifying this issue requires patience, understanding the root cause, and implementing consistent, positive training methods designed to build the dog's confidence and reignite its natural retrieving desire.
Understanding the Roots of a Sticky Sendout
Before a solution can be found, it's crucial to identify the underlying reason for your gundog's stickiness. The causes are often multifaceted and can include:
- Lack of Confidence: This is a primary culprit. A young or inexperienced dog may be unsure of its role, intimidated by the environment, or have had a previous negative experience that has shaken its nerve. This could be anything from a difficult retrieve in heavy cover to a loud, unexpected noise.
- Handler-Induced Issues: Inadvertently, handlers can contribute to the problem. Overly harsh corrections for unsteadiness (running in) can make a dog fearful of making a mistake and therefore hesitant to leave. Conversely, unclear or inconsistent send commands can lead to confusion, causing the dog to look to the handler for constant reassurance. Micromanaging the dog with too many verbal or physical cues can also create a dependency on the handler.
- Previous Negative Experiences: A single bad experience, such as being pricked by a thorn bush or encountering an aggressive animal during a retrieve, can create a lasting negative association with being sent out.
- Over-Facing the Dog: Pushing a young or inexperienced dog too quickly into complex retrieves, long distances, or challenging terrain can overwhelm it, leading to a shutdown in its willingness to work.
- Boredom or Lack of Motivation: If training becomes repetitive or the retrieves are not engaging, a dog may simply lose interest.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Rectification
Correcting a sticky sendout is a process of rebuilding your dog's confidence and enthusiasm for retrieving. This involves going back to basics and focusing on positive reinforcement.
1. Go Back to Basics and Build Confidence
- Short and Sweet Success: Start with very short, simple retrieves in an open, familiar environment. The goal is to set the dog up for success every time. Use a favourite retrieving dummy or toy to maximize motivation. As the dog's confidence grows, you can gradually increase the distance.
- The "Walking Hold" Drill: This exercise reinforces a positive association with holding a dummy and returning to the handler. While walking with your dog at heel, calmly pass it a dummy. Continue to walk a few paces with the dog holding the dummy before taking it back with gentle praise. This drill removes the pressure of a full sendout and focuses on the positive aspects of the retrieve.
- Positive Reinforcement is Key: Lavishly praise and reward any forward movement and enthusiasm. This can be verbal praise, a pat, or a high-value treat after the dummy has been delivered. The aim is to make leaving your side the most rewarding thing the dog can do.
- Clarity is King: Use a single, clear, and consistent verbal cue for the sendout (e.g., "Back," "Fetch," or the dog's name). Avoid repeating the command, as this can devalue its meaning.
- Confident and Still Body Language: When you send your dog, stand tall and still. Point clearly in the direction of the retrieve. Any fidgeting or leaning forward can be interpreted by the dog as uncertainty, making it hesitant to leave.
- "Proofing" the Send Cue: Once your dog is more confident, you can "proof" the send cue. This involves giving other commands or making movements that don't mean a retrieve, to ensure the dog only goes on its specific send command. For example, you could adjust your hat, talk to a training partner, or give a "sit" command before giving the send cue.
- The "Wagon Wheel" or "Clock Face" Drill: Place several dummies in a circle around you. Send the dog for one dummy at a time, using clear directional hand signals. This keeps the dog engaged and focused on following your direction, building a strong working partnership.
- The "Five-Dummy Memory Retrieve" Drill: Place five dummies in a line or a specific pattern.
Send the dog for a "marked" retrieve (one it sees fall) first. Then, systematically send the dog for the other "memory" retrieves. This encourages the dog to trust your direction and builds its confidence in finding unseen dummies. Start with short distances and visible dummies, gradually increasing the difficulty. - Introduce "Go Back" Cues with a Barrier: Stand with your dog on one side of a low wall, fence, or even a line of cones. Throw a dummy to the other side. The physical barrier can encourage a more committed "go back" as the dog has a clear obstacle to cross to get to the retrieve.
- Vary the Scenery: Avoid training in the same spot every time. New and interesting locations can help to keep your dog stimulated and prevent boredom.
- Positive Social Experiences: If possible, train with a more experienced and confident dog. Seeing another dog work with enthusiasm can be a great motivator for a hesitant gundog.
- Avoid Punishment: Never punish a dog for being sticky. This will only increase its anxiety and worsen the problem.
- Don't Over-Drill: Keep training sessions short and fun. End on a positive note with a successful retrieve.
- Don't Create a Crutch: While it can be tempting to walk out with the dog or offer excessive encouragement, this can create a dependency on your presence. The goal is for the dog to leave you with confidence.