Retrieve and recall

[darren m]

right - Maize my nearly 7 month old springer bitch is coming on good , but theres one/two problem thats developed shes stopped retrieveing and recalling straight into me .

instead , she,ll run out pick up the dummy bring it back part way and drop it about 6 feet away from me and just leave and ignore it .

 

i guess its something that can be sorted as she was retrieving great and loved it , she's a clever pup and i think she's getting the wrong signels from me and i,ve confused her in some way .....i really want her to start holding the dummy again and to bring it in to me ( not asking for a perfect retrieve at this young age just the basic that she used to do )

 

her plain recalls have gone the same way as well , runs towards me then just darts past , just keeps running and will circle me , but that seems a bit like a game

dont know what i,ve done wrong here as training as being going well.

 

SO - what i would like is advice and tips to get her used to holding the dummy and bringing it right up to me .and if poss a good recall

 

thanks

[Sundodger]

Hi Darren

I had similar problems with my young Springer last year. To answer your first question, when she is coming back to you with the dummy start backing away, at the same time encourage her to come to you. After a few sessions try and see if she will bring dummy straight back to you. Repeat until she does.

 

As for your second question, I think you will find that she will stop doing the running past you if you try using some treats to entice her, you could also try and stepping in front of her blocking her progress. I don’t think you are doing any thing wrong, do not get too worried and keep at it. I am sure all will come to fruition.

 

Sundodger

[darren m]

hi SD - i,ve tried backing up to an edge , useing a line , getting on my knees and waving about like mad - i think i,ll try treats next maybe chop some baked liver up

 

did you solve the problem ok in the end .

[Beechessam]

It sounds like she is spitting the dummy as she is excited about the thought of the next retrieve, the quicker she gets rid of it the quicker she gets her next retrieve.

 

You can teach her the hold command or reduce the distance of the retrieve until she delivers properly, or if she spits at you feet some dogs can be told NO then give the fetch command and do not accept the dummy until it is placed in your hand.

 

Doing this some dogs will even pick the retrieve up again and will learn to put it in your hand, especially clever ones who realise they do not get the retrieve until they deliver correctly.

 

If you are against a fence, hedge or wall she cannot go past or circle you.

 

Go back a step and make things simpler until she does things correctly then build slowly on this success.

 

Treats are of limited value because as soon as she finds something more interesting ie game you wil have the same issues all over again.

 

Better to train her with the rewards of work and success than treats.

 

I would also stop doing any retrieving until you have the recall sorted, the retrieve is just a recall with something in its mouth. If you carry on you run the risk of creating further issues with your retrieves.

Edited May 17, 2009 by Beechessam

[Sundodger]

Hi darren give me your address and I will send you some training dvds ( pm)

 

Sundodger

[darren m]

sundodger - YHPM

 

Thank you

 

still a problem with her she started dropping the dummy out in front and pawing at it , but on the other hand if she knows i,m not interested in getting the dummy she'll carry it around all day

battle of wits me thinks and i,m losing

Edited May 24, 2009 by darren m