Disobedient lab

[christy_stone]

I have a 9 month old chocolate lab and am hoping to do some gun dog training, he is great at a short range but at a distance he will not sit on command. I am also having trouble with his retrieving on return he often runs towards me and looks like he is about to return the dummy but then runs a few

Feet past me and lies down with it and as I go towards him he tries to run off. He does not do this all the time but it is quite frustrating when he does as he can do it after being very obedient. the other question I wanted to ask was when should he be introduced to the field and how because he may be a completely different dog. I would be greatful for any advice as he is my first

Gun dog and I am very inexperianced.

[greenpeace]

Don't be too hasty to rush things with the stop whistle at distance, gradually increse the distances as you go. What you don't mention is what you do when the dog ignores the stop whistle at distance. The worst thing is to keep blowing your whistle, as it teaches the dog that he can ignore you. Like i say gradually build the distance up but if the dog were to ignore you make a mental note of where the dog was aprehend him and drag him back to the exact spot where he ignored you, make him sit and give a bit of telling off. Hopefully this will show the dog that you can not be ignored. With regards to the retrieve training it sounds like you might be doing a little too much (although i might have misread things) Be very frugal with the amount of dummies the dog fetches, especially when he is so young. When he is retrieving make sure that he doesn't think that every dummy is for him, by making him sit whilst you go and get them yourself. If he has a tendancy to run around you stand next to a wall or fence so that he can't. Also try to avoid eye contact with him as he comes back with the dummy and this can intimidate a young dog. It's also worth remembering that you shouldn't take the dummy straight off the dog when he is young, praise him. Ideally get your hand under his mouth and rub his chin, hopefully giving him a head up delivery. Never tell your dog off for picking anything up, even if they are your wifes best shoes.

 

As for when to introduce the dog to the field, this is often a contentious interest and is largely dependant on what you want from the dog. If it is a rock steady dog then it can take up until 2 years, maybe more and in some cases less, it's all dependant on the dog, and the training it has received.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Dave T.

[casts_by_fly]

This is a perfect example of why I like an E collar. You can make a correction at a distance so the dog knows that he must listen. When properly collar conditioned, the e collar can be a very useful tool for exactly that purpose.

 

The fence/wall/hedgerow idea is a good one if the dog is running past you every time. However, if the problem is that the dog think s the bumper is 'his' and not 'for you' then it may not address the problem. Get the dog to want to come to you. Cutting down retrieves worked a bit for Roxy. Sshe knew that the only way to get another retrieve was to bring me back the bumper.

 

Thanks

Rick

[christy_stone]

Thanks for the reply greenpeace, with it being my first gundog I cant get enough advice at the moment and am unsure at what to expect at diffent ages, by the way you are explaineing I think i might need to not expect so much from him as he is 9 months in hindsight he is still only a pup. But soes anybody know if he should be castrated because there are several varying opinions. I dont inted to let him have a litter and all he wants to do now is sniff and cock his leg. Will this affect him in the field or in later life ? either way i would appreciate some opinions.

Thanks

[Boromir]

Dont get to disheartened if your first dog doesnt become what you want him to be, you will make mistakes and you learn from it when you get your second dog.

 

My 2 and a hlf year old Lab still goes crazy at some points but I let him have his fun still, When out working he is great. He is my first dog as well.

 

Your dog is only 9 months still a puppy give him a bit more time and you'll get there in the end.

[christy_stone]

yeh i realise that now, i think ill just get him toned up on the basics and get him training step by step slowly and maybe next season he will be ready. But still unsure about castrating though any thoughts?

[Beechessam]

This is a perfect example of why I like an E collar. You can make a correction at a distance so the dog knows that he must listen. When properly collar conditioned, the e collar can be a very useful tool for exactly that purpose.

 

Rick

 

However I do not think the use of the collar would be appropriate in this case.

 

1, The handler is inexperienced and would obviously not have the skills and ability to collar condition the dog.

 

2, The dog is very immature still and as he does not even know he is doing wrong the collar will not help.

 

3, The fault is by the posters own admission his own and not the dogs.

 

4, This is not a case of a dog not listening, it is a case of the dog knowing no better, there is a huge difference.

 

If you think your dog is responsive close up but not at distance, then simply reduce the distance, dont allow the dog to fail.

 

Repetition repetition repetition until it is second nature and the behaviour is ingrained regardless of distance.