RAVE Retrievers Resources

Do not use harsh corrections or punish a young dog.

Do not do long retrieves with your young dog because their attention span is very short. Also too much of anything can become boring.

Do not give a young dog a live flyer because they may eat the bird and you have just possibly created a real serious problem. Use bumpers, dokkens or frozen birds.

Do not shoot over a young dog or even too close.

Do not take them to the shooting range and think you are desensitizing them to gunfire. Dogs are not born gun-shy. They become that way by owners who have not taken the time to educate themselves or to consult with a professional trainer. This can be a serious and at times irreversible problem.

Do not put the bumper/dokken/bird in a young dog’s face by pushing it to their nose. Instead entice the dog by dragging it along the ground to gain their interest. If you perceive this from the dog’s point of view, it is less threatening.

Do not pull or tug at anything in the dog’s mouth he has retrieved. Instead roll it down and out with your command to “leave it” or “drop”.

Do not get mad or correct a dog for retrieving shoes or clothing you left out. The dog is doing what he is bred to do... retrieve.

Do not confuse your dog by being inconsistent with your commands. If you choose to use “fetch”, stick with that command and not use some other word occasionally.

Do not allow your dog to jump on you while you are training and then use a correction for them jumping on you while you are in dress clothes.

Do not throw one bumper/dokken/bird for more than one dog. You will create the “keep away syndrome”.

Do not get a sporting breed and expect it to be docile and happy just napping and hanging out. They were bred to work and be active.