Competent retriever’s routinely obey hand signals at considerable distances. When the handler extends his arm, the dog will typically look in that direction before heading that way in response to the “over” command. Talented pups pick this up amazingly fast. I’ve messed with hunting dogs most of my life. As a young man, I believed good hunting dogs were about half nature and half nurture. As an old man, I’m convinced it’s about 80 percent nature.
Retired breeder and trainer here. I taught my cowdogs hand signals in a day. A week's reenforcement fixed it for life. Walk them in the woods. When they get as far from you as you want, get their attention and start moving in a direction that they will have to move as much as possible while signaling in that direction.
"Pointee..." At first glance I thought you meant a dog that people point at.
My rat terrier goes where I point. He seems to have figured it out on his own, among a great many other things. I have to say he's more dog than I bargained for.
My dad's Samoyed wasn't bothered by other dogs going berserk, or cats that stood still, but she lost her mind at the sight of a squirrel, and if you weren't prepared, she'd pull you into the street after it, too.
Going to the local shelter, showing them this article, then adopting every single dog
W shitpost
This dog means business. https://youtu.be/hxMsVbFr1Bc
Competent retriever’s routinely obey hand signals at considerable distances. When the handler extends his arm, the dog will typically look in that direction before heading that way in response to the “over” command. Talented pups pick this up amazingly fast. I’ve messed with hunting dogs most of my life. As a young man, I believed good hunting dogs were about half nature and half nurture. As an old man, I’m convinced it’s about 80 percent nature.
A lot of trainers take credit for what the dog teaches itself
Retired breeder and trainer here. I taught my cowdogs hand signals in a day. A week's reenforcement fixed it for life. Walk them in the woods. When they get as far from you as you want, get their attention and start moving in a direction that they will have to move as much as possible while signaling in that direction.
Same with my cat.
"Pointee..." At first glance I thought you meant a dog that people point at.
My rat terrier goes where I point. He seems to have figured it out on his own, among a great many other things. I have to say he's more dog than I bargained for.
My dad's Samoyed wasn't bothered by other dogs going berserk, or cats that stood still, but she lost her mind at the sight of a squirrel, and if you weren't prepared, she'd pull you into the street after it, too.