NEW TO TRAINING HELP
 

Hey Everyone,
I've been working quite a bit with Drake my Lab Pup who just turned 3 Months. He is doing good, and i can throw the tennis ball, or pigeon up to 10-15 yards and he retrieves it very well...but its when he gets about 2 feet from me the problem occurs. When i reach to take the ball or bird he thinks it is a game to play with me and run about 2 feet away hoping i will run after him and chase it. i Try calling him to me put he just lays down and chews on the ball. When he does this i simply take the ball or bird and kennel him up. i Dont know what else to do so i was hoping the trainers on here with have some ideas...im knew to this and there WILL be more ?'s to come! Thanks...


KyleandDrake

RE: NEW TO TRAINING HELP
 

What training program (book - tape) are you following as your training guide?????

RE: NEW TO TRAINING HELP
 

Put him on a rope and pull him the rest of the way to you. Be sure to praise him or give him a treat when he does it.

RE: NEW TO TRAINING HELP
 

I think at 3 months he still has alot of puppy still in him it's like a 4 year old boy. His retreiving I would say is his instinct at this point. I would agree if you are going to try and train him yourself get a good training video "Water Dog" by Wolters is a good one.

RE: NEW TO TRAINING HELP
 

Go to your local library and check out every bood and video on retriever and spaniel training. Watch and read them and choose the one you like the best and buy it. Most libraries have a great selection of books and videos. Some video stores can help too.

Dr Fatguy

RE: NEW TO TRAINING HELP
 

when you do get the ball back say if he comes to close grab it quick and say good dog pet him and give him an ocassional piece of hotdog and remember be patient your dealin with a dog sometimes they are loving but other times they are stubborn.

RE: NEW TO TRAINING HELP
 

Once again, I ask ------- and await your reply [8D]

RE: NEW TO TRAINING HELP
 

Don't expect too much from a pup at his age. You train by making it fun for him and keep the sessions short. Put a short lead on him and when you you throw the object for him walk away from him and when he sees you going away he will run past you inviting you to play. As he goes past grab the lead and gently pull him to you. Let him hold the object a bit and then take it from him by rolling the lip onto his teeth exerting just enough pressure to get him to drop it. Then praise him and do this only a couple times before you play again. Remember he is like a baby yet.

RE: NEW TO TRAINING HELP
 

I use several short sessions per day in a controlled environment, such as a narrow hallway. On the retrieve I say "here" and offer lots of praise after pup has delivered to "hand."

RE: NEW TO TRAINING HELP
 

Sorry Doc E, ive been away for a couple days and havent had my comp. I havent been using anykid of training tool YET. Do you have any suggestions?


KyleandDrake

RE: NEW TO TRAINING HELP
 

kyleanddrake ...Doc's gone for the week-end...He'll be in Spokane Wa. He has his Pointing Lab "Casey" entered in a NAHRA field trial. Hopefully Casey'll do his thing and earn his Master's tomorrow....we're keeping our finger's crossed....Casey will be fine....it's Doc I'm worried about..:D..But....I do know...he'll recomend to buy a copy of "The 10 Minute Retriever" by John & Amy Dahl. I'm sure he'll have other suggestion's for you...but trust me...The one I mentioned will be top on his list.

RE: NEW TO TRAINING HELP
 

IMO, for any well trained Hunting Dog, you need to be following a proven training program.
And, Yup, Wayne1 is correct --------- for a GREAT Hunting Companion, the "10 Minute Retreiver" is the book to follow (page by page, chapter by chapter). For the ULTIMATE Hunting Companion and a dog that can easily compete in the Hunt Test games, then you need to go with the "Smartwork" series (written by Evan Graham).

BTW, Casey not only got his Master Hunting Retriever (MHR) title this last weekend, but because of his stellar performances during the last year, he will also get invited to the NAHRA Master Nationals next year in Colorado. :D

RE: NEW TO TRAINING HELP
 

Thanks Wayne1 and Doc E...i'll be sure to check out 10 min retriever...and congrats Doc E and Casey


-kyleanddrake