Shaking and mouthing the dummy

My 8 month old pup loves retrieving but he shakes and mouths the dummy in his excitement and also comes back so quickly that he knocks into me hard, I now side step which causes him to run past me. Any advice to overcome these problems would be gratefully received.

Stacia

 

Re: Shaking and mouthing the dummy

Thanks Sam, its a bit difficult to find a wall where I train! If I use a hedge then he has to turn at right angles However, I do agree, it would slow him down except I will be the first bit he would hit unless I side step at the right moment ;D

Thanks for your input, any other ideas?

Stacia

 

Re: Shaking and mouthing the dummy

Hi Stacia, keeping your back to a hedge, fence or wall is a good temporary option and may be enough to break the habit, but at some point you have to move out into the open. And you may find the habit resurfaces.

If so, you will need to specifically teach a nice delivery. Using a sitting delivery usually works best. Starting with very short retrieves, literally a couple of yards, so that the dog doesn't build up any speed, and then gradually working up to longer ones.

Once you have taught a stop whistle, you can use that to stop the dog a few yards from you if he is approaching you too fast, wait a few moments to let him calm down, then call him in.

Pippa

 

Re: Shaking and mouthing the dummy

Thanks Pippa. I had thought that was where I should begin He is fantastic on the stop whistle except when coming in with retrieve! I will work on that and report back. Thanks for input, all ideas gratefully accepted.

Stacia