My new lab puppy won't bring back the dummy - just runs around with it
I'm brand new to bird dogs and got an 8-month-old Lab. When I toss a training dummy, he sprints to it but then just prances around the yard with it in his mouth instead of bringing it back to me. I've tried calling him excitedly and even running away to make him chase me, but he just keeps doing laps. Using a 20-foot check cord hasn't helped much either.
1 Answer
Totally normal for a pup that age - they're in the 'possession' phase where having the dummy is more fun than giving it up. Try shortening the distance way down to just 5-10 feet so he's almost on top of you when he picks it up. When he gets it, immediately offer a high-value treat (I use hot dog pieces) and say 'give' as you take the dummy. He'll learn that bringing it to you means good things happen. What kind of treats have you been using, and does he respond better to food or praise?
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