My new Lab puppy won't bring back the dummy - just runs off with it!
Just got my first bird dog, an 8-week-old black Lab. I've been trying to introduce him to retrieving with a canvas dummy in the backyard. He'll chase it when I toss it, but then he grabs it and runs around playing keep-away instead of bringing it back to me. I'm using a 20-foot check cord but he just tangles himself up. What am I doing wrong?
1 Answer
Totally normal puppy behavior! Labs are mouthy and love to play. At that age, you're just building positive associations - don't worry about perfect retrieves yet. Try using two identical dummies: toss one, when he picks it up, show him the second one and excitedly call him back. He'll likely drop the first to get the second. Praise like crazy when he comes toward you. Also, keep sessions super short - 5 minutes max. What kind of dummy are you using? Some pups prefer bumpers with wings or pheasant scent.
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