I have never done it but I would start slow with just playing fetch in the living roon with a small shed, giving the little guy lots of praise when he brings it back. Eventually I would graduate to playing fetch with bigger sheds out doors. What I would focus on during these two steps is getting him totally over the top 150% sugar rush excited about sheds. Then i would move into finding them on the ground and praising him when he finds them and brings them to me and eventually start making it harder to find them until eventually he can find them without me "guiding" him. I would say you may not be 100% ready for this season but with lots of work you could have a shed dog master by next year. There are also scents you can buy for your sheds to freshen them up and help with the training process. Just my thoughts, but remember I have never done it
Don't use a real shed. Don't let him have sheds unless you're training. Keep him excited when he find/brings them back. Look at DogBone.
I disagree. Use real shed. Cut off brows or sharp points. A real shed has so many smells that the dog will familiarize himself with. Along with that, let him have a chew toy shed. Again he will become familiar with it.
Agree to disagree. What's the motivation for a puppy to find sheds if it's got one all day every day like other toys?
I have black lab mixed. I let her chew and play with a shed and I play fetch with her since she was a pup Shes 1.5 year old now. She was to young last year to take her out. I went to move a deer stand and took her with me While I was busy setting the stand she brought me two sheds. Cant wait to take her when they start dropping and see how she does.
Start with a training shed (Rubber) and scents, Real shed may distract him as its a "Bone" and he is a dog. Since it is so hard, it may even be dangerous for some dogs to be running with. Get a starter kit from DogBone, well worth it. Took my shepherd out on his first real try at finding sheds yesterday, I was really proud when he started following his nose down every deer trail in the area looking for something. Its a lot of hard work but if you have the patience and time, go for it!
http://forums.bowhunting.com/shed-hunting/18265-collaboration-shed-dog-tips-outdrdave.html here's the link
