? on training a chlt lab pup

Ruger is quickly becoming a pain in the with retrieving. Things had been going great…but now he’s wanting to play keep-away. I have an 8 yr old Brit and the neighbors have 1yr old Boxer. The 3 play well together, but that is their natural game to play. Now it’s lending itself over to Ruger’s training time and we’re getting frustrated. All the books/video say NEVER chase or go after him.
We have 24 decoys in the yard and working on scent retrieval. He’ll instantly pick up the scent and make the blind retrieve. However, when he’s about 50% of the way back to us with the dummy, he’ll bolt off and sit with the dummy and try to entice us to come after him.
Suggestions from any good handlers??

Great looking pup!

Back-up. Put the pup back on a check cord. Id maybe start with a 20′-25′ then switch to a 50′. Throw the dummy obviously not past the leads reach. Soon as that pup picks the bumper start calling and pull him back in. If he comes back on his own that’s good no reason to pull. Soon as you get it back throw it and repeat. Maybe half dozen throws each time the first week. then switch to a longer chord. If all goes well by the end of the second week problem should be solved. Another trick you can try is when you go off leash and throw the bumper when he picks it up turn and walk away he will follow when he gets to you grab bumper and toss it don’t chase him to get it just coordinate it well. Another is to hide behind something like a trash can he’ll come to see what your doing. With all this don’t forget to praise after each so he realizes he’s doing it right.
Start with those see if they help. Always remember if your having problems with training go back a step and always end with the pup wanting more.

Jay, I omitted to add that. If we cord him, all is perfect. It’s that taste of freedom that he wonders off to play

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Jay, I omitted to add that. If we cord him, all is perfect. It’s that taste of freedom that he wonders off to play.

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Sometimes, they’re too smart for their own good, eh?

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Jay, I omitted to add that. If we cord him, all is perfect. It’s that taste of freedom that he wonders off to play.

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Sometimes, they’re too smart for their own good, eh?

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He’s a little like “the neighbors’ kid” Good healthy pooch, listens most of the time, and stubborn as all heck some days. Every now and then you want to give him a size 11 to the rear end….but that will never happen

how old is he now?? It may just be he doesn’t have the mental capability to handle it yet. He may just need to mature more before you go any further. Will he do it once or twice before he decides to go off and play??
Like I said before try throwing it when he picks it up and looks at you if he does not come back turn around and walk away. If he presents you with an opportunity to grab the dummy do so. Otherwise show no interest in it and just keep walking as long as hes holding it and following you he has done the job he just doesn’t realize it. You can try the hiding technique as well just make sure he sees you hiding so he no’s where you are. Don’t necessary grab the dummy when he comes back just sit on the ground he will come to you. If at any time he looses interest stop for the day. The best is if he wants more and you quit.
These are a few things that have worked for me in the past. If I were to just guess hes just not ready for the long retrieves several times, I would say hes just to young.

2 things you can try. Do water retrieves and meet him at the waters edge or even in the water a little ways. The dog will be more concentrated on leaving the water, shaking e.t.c. and you can get him to hand easier. when you do get a retrieve really love him up and lots of praise. on land give short throws and when the pup picks up the dummy move backwards while smootching and encouraging him to follow, again extreme praise for sucsess. half the game your dog is playing with the other others is chase me, the other half is I chase you. thats what you encourage.Try not to go after the pup when it has the dummy. well, I hope you can understand my rambling and good luck

Hey Randy,

Training labs is a blast and I’ve had two the same color.

I’m no expert but I did alot of reading and research before I started with my first dog.

In this scenario you describe, and I still do this today, even if we’re just playing with balls and such, once the dog decides to do his/her own thing, the game is over. If I’m just throwing in the yard for fun, I walk into the house. If I’m out working on some retrieves, I head for the truck.

They love to retrieve and if you make this a serious no-no and stick to your guns. The dog will come around.

Eric

ok I got one question also. I also have a chocolate lab. the thing is a machine in the woods. never goes to far, works the sides of trails, all the good stuff. the dog is anal when it comes to retrieving the dummy in water. BUT when it comes to retrieving a rooster or grouse it just wants to play with it and wont bring it to me. any suggestions??

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ok I got one question also. I also have a chocolate lab. the thing is a machine in the woods. never goes to far, works the sides of trails, all the good stuff. the dog is anal when it comes to retrieving the dummy in water. BUT when it comes to retrieving a rooster or grouse it just wants to play with it and wont bring it to me. any suggestions??

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Treats! praise and rewards for a good job. We had that with the first couple ducks this season. Now, Ruger has the hang of it. However, we are struggling with hand commands. He’ll stop and look at us, know he needs to look, but will go the opposite direction.

How and when do you teach hand signals and whistle commands

I was told as soon as they begin doing blind retrieves consistently.

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How and when do you teach hand signals and whistle commands

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I see no reason to hold off on it. I used hand and verbal commands simultaneously when training. They pick up on it quickly.

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How and when do you teach hand signals and whistle commands

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I was told to wait until after a pups first hunting season to start hand signals and blind retrieves.

I’ll be starting this winter with my pup.