I need help. I have a self trained 5 year old chocolate lab that has hunted since a yearling. Now he doesn't want to retreive. In fact he refuses to retreive. It is one thing to not reteive a dummie, but he also will not retreive duck wings. He has never been abused in any way. When I set up a retreive for him he either lays down or turns and runs off to his kennel. Took him duck hunting and he retrived one bird for me that was only about 10 yards away, but wouldn't hunt for two other birds that we couldn't see. What can I do? Does anyone think he can be broken of this habit or should I get a new dog. Please note that in prior seasons he has loved the hunt and the retreive. Now he just doesn't want to be there. He is in perfect health.
Jerry Young
Jerry Young