[yellow dog 15]

I have a 8 month old yellow lab that I have been training but then work got busy and I was working 7-12's on nights and wasn't able to train her as much as I wanted. At first she had awsome drive would always get the dummy and bring it back. But now she looks at me like im stupid and will not go pick it up. But as soon as you get one of her toys she is all over it. What do I do to get her back to liking to train and retrieve for me? I have tried the bird feathers as for I do not have access to live birds and she seems to like them but still will not pick up the dummy that is wrapped in the feathers. She just sits next to it and nibbles on the feathers.

 

[rism]

You will probably need to get a couple of live birds at this point. Clipped wing pigeons work great if you have access. Put them on a string attached to a pole. They should be able to fly just enough to jump from your pup. I f you don't have the time you may have to go to a trainer.

 

[yellow dog 15]

Thanks for the help. I'm sure I can find some but right now im working nights and its hard to do it right now. I may try later in the year. Im trying my best with what i have, i bought some of the Dokens duck scent with injector and hopfully that will help.

 

[Weedwacker Again]

Did you buy chance happen to start force breaking to retrieve and then stop?

Just going off your post, sounds like dog had a negative experience with the dummies.
( in thier head, toy fun, dummy not fun) maybe a soft dog and there was some yelling and possible physical contact.

Just a thought .

 

[yellow dog 15]

I have yet to start force fetching her. I have not yelled at her for retrieving a dummy just praised her with a "good girl".

 

[rism]

I have used the Dokens w/ duck scent for years. Haven't used canvas dummies since the Dokens came out. Start puppies w/ the teal Dokens and move up. Drill a couple of holes on each side 1/8" and inject the scent. I would agree w/ another member. I think your dog has had a bad experience with a dummy. Wife, kids, etc.?? Dog didn't do what someone thought it should and they smacked it in the head w/ the dummy ?? Sometimes it doesn't take much. Once one of my dogs enters the formal training stage the wife and kids (back then) are not allowed to use any of my training tools with the dogs. Take them for a walk, play w/ a tennis ball etc., but I am the trainer. They do not try to physically discipline the dog in any way shape or form !!! When you get the time and can use some live birds I think you may solve the problem. If not you may have to teach her to "Force Fetch" or send her to someone to have it done.

 

[yellow dog 15]

She likes the dummy when she is not on the check cord. I just started to make sessions shorter for her and that seemed to help. I will not throw the dummy as much as I did maybe 3-5 times and that has seemed to build up her drive for it. I set it down and she runs over and grabs it for me to throw again but I dont so i dont fall into that same issue. Do you recommend force fetching any way?

 

[rism]

Just my opinion but I have a lot of time to work w/ my dog. Force retrieving has both good and bad (maybe not bad) but I don't like it. A lot of force fetch trained dogs look like machines. I don't want a machine dog. Mine are house broke, love to retrieve and are family members even though they spend most nights in the kennel. I live in the country so most of the time when I'm home they run lose w/me. If I'm not there they are in the kennel. Force retrieving is probably great for you if you can't spend a lot of time on it.
I think doing the 3-5 fetches then just playing will help a lot. Pro trainers talk about "fun dummies". After you have done the 3-5 actual training dummies just throw 2 or 3 for fun. Don't make her sit or anything just throw and let her chase. When she brings it back don't do anything formal, just take the dummy and praise her and throw again if she acts like she wants to chase.

 

[yellow dog 15]

The problem I am having with her when she isn't in a check cord is she won't give the dummy back and wants to run around. I don't want her doing this while we hunt.

 

[Spot shooter]

Unless you don't want her excited about retrieving you let her do it for a while... but in a controlled fashion.

1) DO NOT take the bumper away from her when she brings it back to you on a check cord, praise her and hold her next to you until she drops it, then pick it up. It's best to give them some dried liver or other reward at the same time to begin.

2) Seperately from retrieve teach "give" or "drop" (meaning give that sucker to me).. reward until they don't need it.

3) Take the bumper away after training (it's yours not hers)... you might want separate bumpers but frankly ownership is a big part of the equation.

4). If she won't bring it, walk away and end the play... (not fun, she wants you to chase / compete for it).. when she starts running to you be happy and act excited, if she stops and turns you IMMEDIATELY turn and walk and go further this time...

I.e. - couple 1 & 2 via 3 and 4...

But never curb the happiness of getting the bird and retrieving it.

 

[Weedwacker Again]

The problem I am having with her when she isn't in a check cord is she won't give the dummy back and wants to run around. I don't want her doing this while we hunt.

Search out a local dog club ( for your breed ) that offers training days and build up a local group you and talk and train with.
NAVHDA, Retriever Club, even some AkC breed clubs.
Others watching, will see things to help, that your not seeing.

Builds great friendships that will last a life time.