Retrieving downed waterfowl is a high priority for all hunters, so much so that we spend hours training our dogs to retrieve them. Dokken's new DeadFowl Skimmer and Diver trainers are so effective that now you can shorten that process dramatically.

Author: Frank Ross

Tom Dokken readies Tanner for a training session.

One of the most difficult retrieves for a dog is a wounded duck that can dive or out-swim its pursuit. Usually the bird dives down, eluding the ill-fated dog and heads for a grassy shoreline. After several elusive dives a retriever can be totally confused, and left to swim in exhausting circles, while the bird gets away.

Until now, training for this challenging retrieve was all but impossible. Hand signals can be confusing when a bird dives, then surfaces in one direction, then another. There just wasn't an easy way to teach a dog how it was getting fooled. Either a dog was smart enough to figure it out or you called them back to the blind, regretting the shot.

Tom Dokken, owner of Oak Ridge Kennels, the largest training facility in the upper U.S., has spent 25 years teaching dogs and contemplating ways to improve upon the process. His first contribution to avid bird hunters was Dokken DeadFowl trainers, available in both waterfowl and upland bird versions, which have helped thousands of hunters to improve their dog's performance in the field. His latest innovation is sure to eclipse these significant training tools.

Tanner closes in on a skimmer.

Dokken's new diving and skimming trainers are so effective that they will have even young dogs tuned in quickly. It's one thing to have someone tell you how easy it works, but it's quite another to actually see it in action. I met Tom at the appointed time, early in the morning, not really knowing what to expect from this new product. What I found, on Tom's first cast, was an effective tool that is a lot of fun for the dogs as well.

Two different labs "volunteered" for Tom's impromptu training demonstration, Tanner, a seasoned veteran and Trooper, about 1-1/2 years old. Trooper was tabbed for the first run and as he quivered with excitement, Tom explained the concept. "All you need is a medium-heavy spinning rod and reel filled with a no-stretch braid such as Cabela's RipCord. You tie the patent pending Dokken release cord onto your line and use that to launch either dummy." The release mechanism is basically a braided wire leader, covered with a heavy-duty plastic tube and a release cord with two knotted ends.

Make sure the rubberband is in the slot before releasing it.

To launch a dummy, you simply slip the two ends of the release cord under the rubberband, one on each side, and then make sure that the rubberband is in the slot at the back. Once the cord is secure, place the metal ring over the casting hook and let it fly. Once you've made the cast, send your dog just as you would with any dummy. When your dog gets close, start winding. That's when the fun starts.

"While this unique training tool can be used effectively without assistance, a partner will give you a decided advantage. With two people you can position the person with the rod at an angle, on a far bank, or even on a boat where they can cast and pull the dummy away from the dog. You'll find after a while that really good dogs catch on quickly and learn how to ambush a dummy retrieved straight back toward them."

Tom recommends the Dokken Deadfowl Skimmer to introduce a dog new to the concept of retrieving a wounded duck trying to escape on the water's surface. All you have to do is crank the reel fast enough to keep the dummy darting ahead of the pursuing dog.

Tanner pursues a Dokken diver.

After a reasonable chase, jerk the rod like you were setting the hook on a fat muskie and the dummy will release, allowing the dog a successful retrieve. Tom recommends short retrieves initially, to allow the dog to gain confidence, and then move on to longer and more challenging retrieves. Once your dog has grasped the concept of surface escapes, mix in the diving dummy with your training routine.

With the Dokken DeadFowl Diver, you need to keep the rod tip close to the water and wind quickly for about 20 yards. Allow the dummy to surface, and as soon as your dog reacquires its location and closes in, repeat the process. After a couple of dives, jerk the rod hard and reward the dog with a successful swim.

After an hour of work with both labs, it was obvious that they were having a lot of fun and showing no signs of losing interest in the process. It was also equally obvious that wounded birds were going to have a tough time eluding these dogs when the fall waterfowl season gets underway.

Dokken's DeadFowl Skimmer and diver trainers will help you take the frustration out of teaching this important skill, and you'll both have a good time in the process.

Click here to gear up for training your waterfowl dog.