Doing It All: The Old Sock Trick

Doing It All: The Old Sock Trick

Starting a young dog in field work offers many opportunities to be creative. Many dogs I start adapt to retrieving whatever I throw very easily, but occasionally I get a dog that is curious about ducks but is not about to put that thing in its mouth. There are several options to consider when deciding what to do next. First, and the least productive, is to quit training that dog. I’m not good at quitting, but I understand if one doesn’t want to continue with said dog as there will probably be more challenges along the way. Second is to use force. Sometimes that’s the option needed with certain dogs, but it’s a very negative method that may totally turn off a dog’s interest in birds. I suggest you seek professional help before going that route. The third method that has worked well for me, and made the whole process fun, is the “Old Sock Trick.” I have used it successfully many times with dogs that have gone on to love birds and never “blink” one in tests.

I have learned over time that we humans progress through new concepts much faster and with fewer steps than dogs. DUH! (Well, unless it’s something techie and then I’m slower than dogs.) This sock method works for dogs that like to retrieve but are just not sure that they can pick up birds. No one told them it was okay and they smell funny! When this happens, I say nothing to the dog but instead get out a toy, bumper, ball, or something they retrieve readily. I throw that item a few times, telling the dog to “fetch it” and have a great time; lots of fun, baby talk, and praise. I then get out a nice big sock and put that favorite item in the sock and then play that same exciting retrieving game with the dog, creating the same fun and positive environment as I did before getting the sock.

Sometimes the dog hesitates at first (the sock I use has been used on other birds before which means it stinks), so I grab the sock and drag it around acting stupid and excited, then I toss it a short distance once more. Usually that works. I then play this game until the dog grabs the socked bumper without a second thought and brings it to me. This change in behavior may occur the first day you start this process or it may take a second or third attempt before the dog performs confidently. Every dog is different, so read your dog to decide when to go to the next step.

The next step is to transition the dog from bumper to bird, beginning with what appears to be the same bumper sock you two enjoyed playing with last time; but it houses a bird instead of a bumper. Use a small bird such as a small duck, quail, or chukar, placing it in the sock, totally covering it. Toss it and send the dog to retrieve it. Most dogs stop and smell it a bit with curiosity because of the stronger scent. That’s normal. Encourage the dog to “fetch it,” even grabbing and dragging it along the ground, teasing him. To invoke more excitement, I then toss it a short distance and tell him to “fetch it.” Usually the dog will pick it up, maybe only the tip of the sock, and return with it. But over time, with excitement and as confidence grows, the dog will start picking up the sock confidently.

Next steps are all transitioning the dog from a bird sock to a bird. Once he is confidently picking up the socked bird, I begin peeling the sock off the bird, exposing it a little at a time.

As long as the dog picks up the socked bird without hesitation, I will expose the bird a little more with each throw. If the dog gets hesitant any time throughout this process, I play the retrieving game withall the positive excitement as I did early on until the dog no longer hesitates. Once the dog is picking up the bird in the sock right away, then I expose more bird until the bird is totally out of the sock. At that point, your dog should be totally transitioned to retrieving birds just like your old dog. Oh boy, let the bird games begin!