Turning Head When Presenting The Retrieve

[nobber]

Hi there

 

I'm hoping somebody may be able to help me with this problem.

 

I have a two year old black lab dog, his training is coming along pretty well but he retrieves a dummy he will sit next to me to present the retrieve but at the moment I try to take it from him he moves his head - not by much but just enough to stop me taking it from him.

 

If anybody has any advice as to how I can correct this I'd be very grateful.

 

Many thanks in advance

[blacklab]

Hi

 

Try stroking his chest & neck before taking the dummy off him, this should get him to raise his head & present the dummy to you, if this doesn't work hold the loose skin under his chin & then take the dummy.

 

good luck

 

Lee

[cracker]

Saw where you'd posted this same query on the Labrador Forums and got essentially the same reply. Not wrong advice, just that the situation can be remedied more efficiently and without "kowtowing" to the dog with the stroking and pleading.

 

First, recognize this head-turning for what it is--avoidance and/or possessiveness--and work from there. That the dog's sitting at your side for delivery is good. If it's sitting at your left side, reach your left hand over and behind the dog's head and under its muzzle and take the dummy from the dog's left side; thus if it turns away from you, it's also turning directly into your awaiting hand. Do same if the dog sits at your right side with your right hand. This clears up in a hurry if the dog understands it can't get away with it--or keep the dummy away from you.

 

Good luck,

 

MG

[nobber]

Thanks very much for that tip MG and thinking about it, it makes total sense.

 

Many thanks both for your replies.