new pup questions

[fivebucks]

Just got my new hunting pal, a yellow male that's now 8 weeks. Been reading Richard Wolters books and am following his guidelines for the most part. I don't think this is an issue yet but I thought I would throw it out here. When I fetch play with him he'll take the dummy and go away from me, I think to make it his own. I usually go over to him and toss it again. Should I be doing something different or is he just too young to even think about right now. Wolters says that this is a crucial time to make fetching a fun thing. Any thoughts?

[Kostoglotov]

I've always had good luck with taking a couple of steps back.

[setterguy]

Turn your back and start walking away from him, making him think that the game is over. This will usually get their attention and ecspecially at this age they will run right to you. 8 weeks is still just a baby, I'm sure that he will be just fine.

[Jackpine Rob]

I play fetch in the hallway, with the doors closed - except leaving the one behind me open.
I'm sitting on the floor with my legs in a "v" to guide the pup right into me. Of course, after a bit they try to leap over your leg, but you've got them cornered.
Most importantly, I watch the tail and general demeanor of the dog. At the first sign of the tail starting to droop or the dog looking elsewhere, the dummy goes back up in its visible, but unattainable spot. The pup can see the prize, but won't be getting it in the mouth until its time to play again.

During the course of training my last couple of dogs, I have gone back to "hallway" training several times - each time for a couple of days - whenever they decide that delivery to hand isn't cool anymore. It beats the heck out of force fetching them - at least in my opinion.

[anchor man]

I did all the same as mentioned above and it worked well. Just stay consistent and don't loose you patience. If it takes a while don't panic..you didn't get a lemon. I had many instances when I thought I had failed and she'd never bring the dummy to me. Once their high instinct to chase and retrieve kicks in even more, they'll realize that they need someone to throw for them and it'll be second nature for them to bring it on back. At 8 weeks, always keep it fun, there will be plenty of time in the future to holler and scream at em'

[Long Gray Line]

I try not mix play with work with my 11 wk old lab. When we're "working" on retrieving, she's always on a check cord. I have a bird wing attached to a small dummy that she won't leave alone. I toss it out a short ways, she runs to get it and then I started out reeling her in saying "here" the whole time. If she's coming on her own, there's no pressure on the rope. If she's not coming in, she gets the pressure. It didn't take long to figure out that bringing it back meant no pressure from the lead and that I'd throw it again for her! Make sure to stop BEFORE the pup gets bored. That way you'll end on a positive note and have a happier pup looking forward to the next time!! We've added in sitting with the dummy in her mouth when she gets to me. I figure that'll make 'force fetch' easier when we get to it. Take it 1 step at a time, be successful with each task before adding another. Be patient & make it fun!

[mpete54]

My female yellow lab is 11 months old now, but I ran into this same problem when she was younger too. I tried all of the other suggestions listed above and they all worked for me. Another thing that I tried, was to hook a 30 foot lead up to her when we were working in the back yard. Her desire to fetch was natural, so that wasn't a problem, and when it was time for her to bring the dummy back to me, I just kind of guided her back while giving her the command "come". This seemed to work really well for me. Of course as she gets older, she gets better at following the commands.

Matt

[fivebucks]

Thanks for the replies. It's been 14 years since the last pup so a guy kind of forgets how the little guys act. He sure is curious.

[chelsey17]

I trained dogs for Tom Dokken for 9 years, so I've seen it all. At this young age, the pups usually want to be around people, so make sure your the only one in the backyard. ALWAYS keep at least a 8 ft. lead on them. Don't get into a situation where you can't get a hold of the dog. If they find out that keep away is more fun, your in for some games. If you toss them something to retrieve, as soon as they get it, run/walk away from them which will encourage them to come to you. Make sure you have enough room to do this before you throw the dummy/bird. When they get back close to you, the lead is handy to "coax" them back in that last bit. Also, getting low to the ground helps out. Somebody low to the ground will be a lot more attractive to a pup than a tall looming figure. Ever wonder why pups love kids? Lots of praise. This is all fun now and coming back to this guy talking googly goo is pretty fun stuff..