It's been discussed before no doubt and have heard all the rational of what ever desire, genetics deal you and the real world safety attribute of a "run in entry" but hey lets face it aint nuthin pertier than a "launching entry into next week" So what is the best way to bring it out if it's in there?
Dave B.

My advice is...DON'T!

Those high-flying water entries may be stylish, but they are also dangerous. A dog jumping high into the water stands to injure itself on anything submerged, and/or damaging itself by landing in water that is shallower than it looks.

Gypsy had a high-flying water entry until she jumped into a stream at 4 months old, landed hard on the bottom and tore her right hind leg all up. It took months for her to walk normally again, and even now she will occasionally limp from it. Also, she has never been as confident around water since then. Don't risk it, leave things as they are.

Lisa

Hey Dave!

First introduce Barfie to the water. When he is reliably getting in(as early as possible!) and quite comfortable, find a piece of water with an abrupt entry; this entry would ideally be asloping entry,the steeper the better.

Start by flipping the bumper in just a few feet in front of his nose. Then gradually back away and keep landing the bumper in a position where Barfie thinks that he can jump and land on it. Forgo steadiness and audibly crank the pup up1 As with any early retrieving always keep it short and exciting! Eventually, your shooting for a long run at the water, with a high, valting leap to the bumper.

We never intend our dogs to get injured, in fact, it always amazes me that more of our "athletes" don't get injured than do (that must have something to do with my personal history!). Actually, many more retrievers get injured around our vehicles and during "free time"(playing grab-ass) than in the field. As trainers and hunters, the best way to avoid the injuries that Lisa referred to, is to check out strange grounds prior to use; trust me, injuries are going to occur. All you can do is be careful and hope for the best.

"I want a dog that wants to play as hard as I do"- that includes land andwater (extra points for a high valting entry!)! Hopefully, the doctors visits will be kept to a minimum.

Best of luck in ALL your K-9 indeavors and in 2004!

Bruce

Hey Bruce, I need help! I go goose hunting and all I hear is "blah, blah, blah", why can't it just go away. What can I do? Any help wouold be appreciated! Hope the shoulder is doing better.
Dogs of color,
Geoff

quote:

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Then gradually back away and keep landing the bumper in a position where Barfie thinks that he can jump and land on it.

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Bruce
Is "Barfie" the name of your new pup?

Geoff
I have a hard time getting that "BLaaaah,--- Blah Blah Blah blah blaaaaah sound to go away too.

I wonder if saying PLEASE would help!!!

wwrs

Hey Geoff,

Thanks for the concern-the "clipped wing" is what it is. If "Cole" is up to the Blah, blah, blahs, I can only imagine the subject matter!?!

Question: what is this "Geoff"- a.k.a. "Biff?"

Happy Holidays!

Bruce

Bruce,
"Biff?" that's a new one to me! Maybe a few to many 'blah, blah, blahss' mixed with pain meds.(HAHAHA!!!) Geoff

"Biff" a.k.a. Geeooff

After all day in the blind with "Cole", listening to the "blah, blah,blAAAAAHHHHHS!", I'm quite sure that you would be in need of a darvocet (maybe two!). Pugsly said that he still hears that voice!-". . .shut the door! The rains getting in! If it was my truck . . ."

Happy New Year!

Bruce