My new lab puppy won't bring back the dummy - just runs around with it
Got my first bird dog, a 10-week-old black Lab. I'm trying to start some basic retrieving with a canvas dummy in the yard. He'll chase after it when I toss it, but then he just prances around with it in his mouth instead of bringing it back to me. I've tried calling him excitedly and running away to make it a game, but no luck. Using a 6-foot lead.
1 Answer
Totally normal at that age - you're dealing with the 'keep away' phase! At 10 weeks, he's basically a toddler with fur. Instead of throwing it far, try very short tosses (like 3-5 feet) and the moment he picks it up, gently reel him in with the lead while praising like crazy. Some trainers swear by the 'two-dummy method' - toss one, when he picks it up, show him the second dummy to lure him back. What kind of dummy are you using? Sometimes switching to a smaller, softer bumper can help with mouth feel for young pups.
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