Dog Community

Need help training gurus: Retrieving Problem

Posted : 2/29/2008 5:08:06 PM

Hi guys,

First thing is a little bit about Max. He's about 4 years old and neutered. He's fairly active. He likes to fetch, but he is not one of those maniacal "Throwtheballthrowtheballthrowtheball!!!!" type of dogs. If there's anything else that you would like to know, don't hesitate to ask.

I have a problem that I am trying to figure out. Max likes to fetch and I like doing it with him because it's a great way to wear him out. I have a kong on a rope that I use to throw for him.

First problem: He will not retrieve it unless I throw it a very long way. I can't just toss it and have him go get it. I have to whirl it around my head and really chunk it! Then he tears off like demon, chases it down and brings it back. Is there any kind of tips or exercises I can do to get to realize that he can retrieve something that is thrown closer? This one is more of just a consistency thing. I would like him to retrieve whatever I throw whether it be short or long.

Second Problem: Sometimes after he chases it down, he just lays down and chews on it. Is there any way to encourage him to bring it back to me? He usually only does this after he has been retrieving for a while, so I have just been attributing this to him being tired. And again, this is more of a consistency thing. I am asking him to bring it back and he ignores me.

Third Problem: Now, despite what I have said in the previous things, this is the one that I want to really fix. He generally has the chase, grab, bring back, and drop thing down pat (other then the occasional lay down and chew). Except on the drop thing. Sometimes he drops it 3/4 of the way back, sometimes halfway and even only 1/4 of the way back. He didn't used to do this. I would have to fight with him to get the toy/ball/etc from him. Is there anyway to encourage a full retrieve?

For those of you who are still reading, thank you. I tend to ramble sometimes. Big Smile Any suggestions are welcome, no matter what they are. Maybe I just need to try to start training him all over again from the beginning. How would I go about this, if it would be beneficial? Thanks again.

FourIsCompany

Posted : 2/29/2008 5:37:35 PM

Here's a link to when I asked some of the same questions! LOL Basically, I think you need to teach him some commands in relation to fetching, I have taught Jaia "Bring it" and now he hands me the frisbee much of the time.

Have you seen a "chuck it"? It can really send a tennis ball far! We have 2 of them.

We're still working on it, but he's much improved. Good luck!

Jewlieee

Posted : 2/29/2008 6:02:09 PM

Some dogs need to learn that bringing the item back to you is the funnest part of the game. If you use something that you can throw and tug that would be ideal - say a floppy frisbee or something. Throw it, when he brings it back engage him in a game of tug - get him all riled up then throw it again, when he comes back engage in a game of tug.

nGoldenm

Posted : 3/1/2008 1:32:07 PM

FourIsCompany
Here's a link to when I asked some of the same questions! LOL Basically, I think you need to teach him some commands in relation to fetching, I have taught Jaia "Bring it" and now he hands me the frisbee much of the time.
Have you seen a "chuck it"? It can really send a tennis ball far! We have 2 of them.
We're still working on it, but he's much improved. Good luck!

Thanks for the link. And yes, I just bought a "tennis ball thrower" similar to the chuck it. I'm just waiting for it to get here.

Jewlieee

Some dogs need to learn that bringing the item back to you is the funnest part of the game. If you use something that you can throw and tug that would be ideal - say a floppy frisbee or something. Throw it, when he brings it back engage him in a game of tug - get him all riled up then throw it again, when he comes back engage in a game of tug.

I wish that he would play tug with me but he just doesn't seem to care about tug. I understand what you're saying though. I think that I might be able to think of something that could work. Thank you for the input!

If anybody else has any other advice, please don't hesitate to speak up.

FourIsCompany

Posted : 3/1/2008 1:46:54 PM

Good. I also wanted to add that I have more luck with the cloth frisbees. Jaia seems to value having the tennis ball in his mouth over having it thrown again, but with the frisbee, he will bring it back and place it in my hand because he WANTS me to throw it again because the chase is more valuable than holding it in his mouth. I'm using the frisbee to train the commands because he already does the action of fetching and bringing it back.

A couple of pointers from experience):

1. Don't play tug with the same toy you're wanting him to fetch. Else when he returns it, it's an excuse for a tug match.
2. Never take the toy out of his mouth. Make him drop it or hand it to you.
3. Don't chase after him and make a game of getting the toy or ball back.
4. If he doesn't return it, leave. It may take a while for him to catch on to this one, but if Jaia decides he doesn't want to give it back, I turn and start to leave. Then he brings it to me. Sometimes I give him another chance, sometimes, I don't.
5. Start with fetching the long throw and GRADUALLY shorten the throw until he's bringing stuff back even though it's a short throw.

spiritdogs

Posted : 3/1/2008 3:37:47 PM

The two best ways I have found to teach the retrieve are Sue Sternberg's motivational retrieve, and Lonnie Olsen's back-chained retrieve (my personal favorite). My dog who hated dumbbells (the one in my avatar) now fetches them 100% of the time - we used Lonnie's method to teach it with clicker training. Here it is if you want to give it a shot: http://www.dsa.ratliffbusinesssolutions.com/retrieve.html

ron2

Posted : 3/1/2008 7:59:58 PM

FourIsCompany
I'm using the frisbee to train the commands because he already does the action of fetching and bringing it back.

Ah, the Premack Principle, aka Grandma's Rule. Using a high value behavior to reinforce another one (if you clean your room you can go swimming). Sweet.

mudpuppy

Posted : 3/5/2008 3:21:58 PM

another thing you can try is the two-toy game- you have two identical toys, throw one, tease the dog with the other toy as he approaches so he charges in excited and drops the toy he has, and then you throw the one you have.

kpwlee

Posted : 3/19/2008 8:32:21 PM

Mud you won't get Bugsy to drop the one he has for any other toy in the universe - I believe I can hear him say - do think I was born yesterday I ain't falling for that one LOL