Dog Community

Releasing Dumbell?

Posted : 5/16/2006 7:24:52 PM

Hi!

I've got Tux going to where he'll go and retrieve the dumbell and bring it back - but he won't let go... I've tried cheese, liver, etc. but most of the time he'll just stand there with it and wiggle his tail. (He does this with a lot of things that are "his". Things that are "mine" he will drop when I say "drop it".)

How do I get him to release?

Thanks!!

miranadobe

Posted : 5/16/2006 7:38:44 PM

Ooh! Do I envy you. Retrieve work is harder, especially if their "out" command isn't set. I hope to be training the retrieve later this year. That's my preface of - "I have no idea how it's done yet, but I wish you luck!"

I found this online, though - but it's for training Goldens, so not sure how your Dobe would take to this...:
"Teach GIVE by carefully taking the dumbbell from the dog's mouth. At first it may be spat out at you. Later, if the dog refuses to give on command, use your left hand over the dog's muzzle as described in teaching TAKE above, gently press part of the lip against the teeth until the dog releases the dumbbell. Immediately remove your left hand and praise."

Stef w

Posted : 5/17/2006 11:55:24 AM

Thanks!

He holds is SO far back that I can't get any lips/teeth to get leverage. Even when I can - his bite is horrendously strong. (I understand my lab's soft mouth now....) With the sides of the dumbell I can't get in anywhere else. *sigh*

I'm assuming that I need to work on the release separate from the retrieving before we do anymore? Is that correct?

He LOVES this new game - but it's a little frustrating when he won't give. My lab would drop it at the first sight of food - it was harder to get him to "hold" it.... Ironic isn't it?? *sigh*

Our obedience instructor told us to start now - we're only doing pre-novice in the ring - but we're doing open/utility stuff in class and at home just to keep things interesting.

ud2be

Posted : 5/18/2006 4:12:21 PM

I haven't had this problem, mine is getting the hold. You are right, I would work the take it and hold and give separately from the retrieve.

Oppositional reflex, being what it is ...

Why don't you put your palms on either end of the dumbell and instead of trying to pull it out of his mouth, push it into his mouth a little - I think he'll open up..

By the way, let me know if this works - in case I have one that doesn't want to so adamantly spit it out!

mrv

Posted : 5/18/2006 4:16:32 PM

he's a dobe, he is yanking your chain. Ask once, if he does not release, turn your back on him. It will make him crazy. Set it up and try again. That little tail wiggle is the give away clue, its your attention he wants.

Stef w

Posted : 5/18/2006 7:43:47 PM

*laughing* He IS the class clown!!

Thanks so much for the feedback!! I'll try both!

Thanks! [

]

ud2be

Posted : 5/24/2006 1:08:03 PM

Any update yet? Is one of the methods working?