My new Lab puppy won't bring the dummy back all the way, just drops it halfway
Just got my first bird dog, an 8-week-old black Lab. I'm trying to introduce retrieving with a canvas dummy in the yard. He'll chase it and pick it up, but then he trots back about halfway and drops it to play with it. I'm using a 20-foot check cord and trying to keep it fun, but I want to build good habits early. Any tips?
1 Answer
Totally normal for a pup that age - you're on the right track keeping it fun! At 8 weeks, he's basically a toddler with fur. Try shortening the distance way down, like 5-10 feet max, so success is easy. When he gets it back to you, make a HUGE deal - excited praise, maybe a tiny treat. Some folks have luck with a 'two-dummy' game: throw one, when he picks it up show him the second one in your hand, which often makes them hurry back. What kind of dummy are you using? The canvas ones are great, but sometimes a bumper with a little scent (like Dokken's DeadFowl) can increase interest.
You need to be signed in to answer this question.
Sign in to Answer