dog training

goose caller · 10-20-2006, 02:50 PM

ok i have a boxer/lab mix puppy. he loves to fetch but has a lot of trouble bringing the ball back to me. he is 7 1/2 months old and i really want to train him for waterfowl. he knows how to sit and shake but were still working on stay. (he has trouble with that). where do i start with training this 65 pound puppy?

salty · 10-21-2006, 09:55 AM

boxers are a PITA but you got some lab so that is a good sign....

keep small treats in your pocket and every time he brings the ball back to you make him sit and give him a treat. about 15 minutes for a week and you will see great results

Mite · 10-22-2006, 06:00 AM

Personally, I don't like enticing with treats because I don't want my dog to listen to me because of them but want my dog to obey me because she has to.

I seriously suggest you look into getting a good book/program, Dahl or whatever.

salty · 10-22-2006, 07:43 AM

as a puppy they should be trained with positive reinforcement. Try thinking about making a child do something.. They hate it as much as we do so they will be difficult to handle. But if you use positive training such as a treat or training liver pieces they will eventually grow out of that puppy stage and the treats can go away. It only took me about a week to train my golden to stay and come when called.

270BBR · 10-22-2006, 06:52 PM

1st you should have him in a run or kennel when you are not with him, you should be the source of fun, don"™t let him have the freedom to run in the back yard. Next get a 50 ft rope with a clip to his collar, buy some bumpers (I have 10) put the pup in your truck and go to a field where there is no distractions, walk away from your truck with your pup about 30 yards, and throw the bumper away from you and your truck, once the pup goes for the bumper turn towards your truck and walk to it as if you may get in the truck, the pup will run past you towards the truck when he passes you step on the rope and stop him, take the bumper from him. Keep doing this he will think you are in control at all times, but only throw each bumper once every day, stop and always have him wanting more.

goose caller · 10-24-2006, 08:54 PM

thanks for the help! any more suggestions? oh and do you guys recomend any books or DVD's?

goose caller · 10-24-2006, 08:56 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: salty

boxers are a PITA but you got some lab so that is a good sign....

keep small treats in your pocket and every time he brings the ball back to you make him sit and give him a treat. about 15 minutes for a week and you will see great results

what do you mean by a PITA? what is that?