Training cant be training. Everything is about fun at 6 mos. I throw 3 times per session and I throw in different directions each time. The dog is praised each time and often he gets a treat. I watch for signs when his excitment wears down and then we move on to something else. Throwing 10 times in a row in the same spot with little in it for the pup is going to make all but the obsessive compulsive dogs look for something fun. Also when you do throw to him and he isnt doing what you want and you show or voice your dissatisfaction, the puppy is going to think that this game sucks and he is not going to like it. When I am training a young pup everything is happy happy all the time. When the dog looses interest or starts doing things he is not supposed to then I just move on to something else or quit altogether and try again later. Also you cant yell at or scold a pup when he does not get it right. Only praise when he gets it right. At about 10 mos I get a little more serious but not strict. I like to think of 6 month pup as a 7 year old child. The 7 year old child is old enough to learn how to play baseball but you would never yell at them for screwing up just praise and encouragement. When the child is 10 you treat him a little different and as the child gets even older the treatment changes again. No different raising a dog.

I think that one of the biggest misconceptions about retrievers is that people think they will retrieve endlessly and enjoy it. Its just not so. Of the dogs that I have known that would retrieve over and over without end had personality disorders. OCD . Most notably German Shepards or German Shepard mix.

I am lucky to get 3 good retrieves out of my dog if its in the backyard but when I take him to a park, field, hiking trail or my hunt club he gets into it and his energy level is limitless because its fun. The best thing you can do is take him walking or hiking everyday without exceptions. Raising a Lab pup can be draining but I like to make everyday fun for my pup and me.

I think its a good sign that he gets bored with 10 retrieves. To me it shows that he has a good bit of smarts and wants new challenges and more fun things to do.

Also my dog is neutered and he loves to hunt and will go all day. Neutering wont slow a dogs drive, it just keeps their brain from being short circuited by the scent of dog hootchie. I think if I were neutered Id probably want to hunt more. Id probably have a lot more money in my savings account too

Another thing that I recommend is finding a local kennel club and going to group obedience classes. I learned a lot about training and how a dogs mind operates. Also if you have a dog park nearby take him. Let him play and burn off some steam. While he is having a good time and starting to get bored with the other dogs then start throwing his stick/ball and the pup will equate it with fun.



Good Luck
Glenn