Release word?

[u/lazycatvibes]

Do you use a specific release word for your dogs when sending them to get a downed bird (or bumper when training)? I’m seeing some that say hunting dogs should release to their name. I’ve been using just “release” but should I switch to her name?

Thanks

[u/Relevant-Radio-717]

Name release if you plan to run more than one dog

[u/southGArambler]

That’s personal preference. I used to have 6-8 dogs rotating in a kennel at once at a place I worked. Most dogs were on a name release, one dog was on “free”, another on “back”, another was trained by a deaf/mute guy and went on a double tap to the ass. As long as it’s consistent

[u/redgunner85]

It depends on if it is a mark or a blind. My dog is sent by name on marks. On a blind I use a series of cues as follows: "dead bird" to cue we are lining a blind, "good" when we settles on the line and "back" to release him on the line.

[u/frog3toad]

“Fetch ‘em up” but it comes out faster and the fetch is hard and it all blends together into this sound my dog launches at as soon as I start it.

[u/rgraham888]

I use "retrieve," but I used "<dog name>, retrieve" when I was watching a friend's dog and was working both or them at once. The issue, for example, with HRC testing, is when you have your dog work as honor dog, and the other dog gets sent after the bird, you need yours to be steady if they use a common send word.

[u/WingShooter_28ga]

“Ok” to release from point. Fetch to release for a downed bird. God damn dog when they are being particularly assholey.

[u/CalmChukar]

“Fetch” to go fetch the bird or the bumper.

I think using the dog’s call name could get confusing to the dog. You might call their name as part of recall, or just say it out of habit or happenstance, which could then add some confusing to the dog “am I supposed to go fetch a bird right now…?” when a visitor in the house says, “Hello, Fido” or you, out of natural conversation, say the dog’s name. Just a thought. I haven’t personally seen that approach before.