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I have a 11 month old lab and seems to be really excited about retrieving. Im having problems with her bringing the bumpers right back to me. she will bring them around me but not directly to me. Any ideas of how to fix this would be helpful .. thanks

Ryan

If she runs a circle around you and then brings them to you then I say let her do it. I would get on my knees and call to her while clapping your hands and make it exciting, she should come on in. Try that for a while and move to just standing and she should get the idea. Another thing is that she is a little older so its gonna be tough for awhile so take it slow and make it fun.

Im no dog expert but I have worked with a few dogs and patience is the main factor when it comes to breaking bad habits.

50 ft lead....

How solid is the dog on the here command? Are you following a program? Most 11 mo dogs have been collar conditioned and force fetched. If you haven't done either get with a training group, a local pro, or buy a training system(Smarworks or Total Retriever Training).

If you only care about the dog bringing back the bumper then move away from the dog as he returns. Dogs naturally chase things that run away. If he doesn't follow high pitched "baby talk" will often coax him. When pup gets close grab bumper but let him keep it in his mouth. Then praise like crazy and take the bumper.

Hope this is some help
Mark Land

yeah i would agree 50ft check cord will start

A check cord will help, but if this dog has had no prior training then a collar is the last thing you want to use. Teach the commands first, then enforce.

quackheadbp wrote:A check cord will help, but if this dog has had no prior training then a collar is the last thing you want to use. Teach the commands first, then enforce.

+1 if you start putting juice to the dog returning with the bumper in the mouth it may cause the dog to associate the bumper with something bad, and he may not want to have anything to do with it, JMO
as stated above get a check cord , teach commands first, when you get to collar conditioning stage, (if you are like me) seek help to keep from putting gremalins in their head. I would suggest a good program to follow and also a training group. Good luck with your adventure and enjoy

ragon

The e-collar isn't the answer to everything. In fact, its not the answer to most things. Really sound basics are the answer to "most things." I figured this out way too late for my present doggie.

I had the same problem with my pup that will be 9 months old Thursday. Here's what worked for me. First if the dog will sit and stay, place the dog where you want it and walk a short distance away, kneel and throw a bumper between you and the dog (don't worry about the pup breaking, that can be corrected later.) make a big deal out of the pup bringing you the bumper. Progress to greater distances as the pup gains more confidence. I have gotten my distance to upwards of 100 yds. and he will now bring a bumper back to me on a retrieve. Occasionally I will have to correct him when he wants to parade around with it, but he only does this once or twice, then it's back to all business.

50 ft check cord...dont throw too much at him at once ..make sure he knows what HERE is...makes sure you have ALL your basics down ..then move on ....praise praise praise when he is correct....nothing when not .....and ALWAYS start from the exact same place....should not take long to get him coming round....when you take him off the cord if he starts to stall back up with here here here till he gets to you......

Keep your cool and be patient with this. Like stated before, the collar is not always the answer. My dog is almost 6 and I rarely put a collar on him, mostly while hunting. You are going to have a hard time introducing a collar to an 11 month old dog because he is starting to get set in his ways and when(if) you put it on him, make sure that he knows what to do when commanded and praise him all the time to ease the shock of the training. Good Luck!

GulfCoast wrote:The e-collar isn't the answer to everything. In fact, its not the answer to most things. Really sound basics are the answer to "most things." I figured this out way too late for my present doggie.

+1 Basics Basis and more basics. When you think your basics are sound, go spend a few days with a pro and they will show you what holes you have in your training and what you need to continue to work on...