July 18, 2010
Training retriever to hunt?
dressagegirl89 asked:
I got a lab/golden retriever cross last fall, it was 2 years old and was previously an inside city dog. It was very independent and disprespectful – but I’m thinking this was a reflection of him being alone in a small apartment all day, and having to make his own dicisions.
I got a lab/golden retriever cross last fall, it was 2 years old and was previously an inside city dog. It was very independent and disprespectful – but I’m thinking this was a reflection of him being alone in a small apartment all day, and having to make his own dicisions.
The question is,
How can I teach a 3 year old dog how to “drop” on command, keep his attention, and make him more respectful so I can control him from large distances.
I’ve trained hunting dogs from puppy age, but never anything older than 6 months before.
A retrievers instinct is to retrieve objects….that is playing for them….I don’t see how asking dog to drop a dummy is asking too much.
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Comments on Training retriever to hunt?
If he’s bringing the bumper back you’re good. Hold onto the bumper and say “Release” or “Out” or whichever command you normally use. If he tries to play tug you say “NO” in a firm voice, this is usually enough, if not, use a firm touch to snap his brain off of play (not a hit, not a slap, nothing painful) and remove it from his mouth. Then praise him for releasing (even though it was more like you taking it, haha). I’d start on a leash, then move to a 33 foot leash and training/prong collar as far as the obedience over a distance. A hunting e-collar may also be of use. Learn to use it if you don’t already know how from a professional so you don’t damage your dog’s drive.
It is a dog’s nature to play. Don’t take that away from them it’s cruel.
Retrievers aren’t hunting dogs, they retrieve.