Hello Peter et al:........I'll try to answer your questions about the FF....let me emphasize that I don't pretend to have all the answers and am always searching for better methods; I can only relate what I have learned from others and what has worked for me. Perhaps I can be of some help to some people in speeding up the process by learning to 'read' their dogs better.......
The ladder fetch? Just a term for heeling your dog past a succession of 10 or 12 training dummies spaced about 15 ft. apart and alternately commanding 'fetch' or 'no' so that the dog learns to only fetch on command and to ignore everything else.
Years ago we didn't usually start a FF program until a dog was about a year old, and the sequence usually involved elaborate set-ups of training tables, wires, ropes, pulleys, toe-hitches and a routine that was usually upsetting and often terrifying to the dog. The whole process often took a couple of months, but now I like to start a pup at 4 or 5 months and the whole process usually only takes 2 to 3 weeks. If the pup is already retrieving to hand, I carry on with marks during the FF, but if not, I don't throw any marks until the FF is completed.
I like to sit in a comfortable chair (lazy guy that I am) with the pup (on a leash) sitting by my side. Instead of a dowel or dummy, I use one of the small paint brush rollers (about 8" long X 2" dia.) With lots of praise and encouragement the pup will usually have the 'hold' mastered in about 3 short (2 or 3 minute) sessions over 3 or 4 days. Next I teach to pup to hold while I walk around him, then have him hold while I walk away from him and call him to me ( always on a lead for control). Then walking at heel carying the dummy.
If the pup has gone through this with a good attitude, I will introduce the 'fetch' with an ear pinch. Actually, with a puppy the 'pinch' is usually just a 'squeeze' between thumb and forefinger. If the pup has teeth starting to come in, I postpone the 'fetch' until the new teeth are in. During this time, it's a good opportunity to work on basic obedience.
Many people run into problems with the 'fetch' routine, and often it's a failure on the part of the handler to recognize effort by the dog. There is an excellent publication in Canada called 'Retrievers Online' which I recommend highly. Check their website at
http://www.retrieversonline.com.
In vol.14, No.1, P.7, editor Dennis Voight has an excellent article titled "Finding the Try". In this article, Dennis points out that many trainers have failed to recognize an effort by the dog when applying negative reinforcement. For example, the dog may partially open his mouth or reach forward slightly, but fails to actually grab the dummy. The trainer, failing to recognize this effort, applies more pressure to complete the action. To the dog, this means he has been punished for trying. This sequence often continues, and the dog may 'shut down' completely. The purpose of the force must be to correct for lack of effort, not to punish for trying.
With an older pup, I use a wide fabric or leather collar on the dog, just loose enough so that I can slide the fingers of my left hand under it (palm up). This gives me control of the dog while I apply the ear pinch to his left ear. Don't let the dog anticipate; make him wait for the 'fetch' command before he reaches for the dummy. Teaching this portion of the fetch command should only take a couple of days.
If there are questions about what has been covered so far, please let me know; and If you're interested in the rest of the FF procedure I'll continue with the rest of the steps.......Have fun training!
Bopper