WHile I am on a roll posting, here is one more. My puppy really liked simple fetch. She responded well to the command "back" after I threw a ball or her toy. I tried to have her sit before throwing after a while, then stay, then I issued the "back" command. She would take off and bring it back and then it was a challenge to get it out of her mouth. Drop command was given, though she does not know this. Now, I cant get her interested in fetching. She is much much more interested in biting me than her toys or fetching. Did I make a mistake trying to get her to sit, stay before throwing? DId I take the fun out of it? I am thinking this is what happened. WHat should I do or can I do to get her interested again? Thanks for advice.
Re: Did I mess up fetch?? Yes Dan, you overdid it. This is a baby, with a very, very short attention span. Trying to get her to sit and wait at this age before fetching is just too much for her. But it should be easy to reignite her love of fetching. I would play with her with a toy - let her grab and play a tug-of-war game with you, for instance. Then when she is really interested in the toy, just throw it a little distance away - I bet she'll race after it and (maybe) bring it back. Don't worry too much - just concentrate on having a nice game with her. Just don't try to do too much right now. Have fun with your puppy. All you need to be doing with her at present, is getting her to follow you around, and to encourage her to come when you call, as well as toilet training her. You need to be teaching her not to bite and not to jump up, but this will take several weeks yet. Take it slowly. This dog is going to be with you for a long time - you don't need to do it all in the first few weeks, and in fact if you overdo things it can backfire on you. Keep asking all the question you like - we are delighted if we can help at all! And if you can post any photos, we would love to see them.
Re: Did I mess up fetch?? Try forgetting all about commands for now, try having fun with your pup. Next time you play fetch try saying nothing at all, NOTHING, no commands NOTHING. When the pup comes back to you praise/stoke/cuddle/tickle, but DON'T touch that thing in her mouth until you have made a fuss over her and when she has forgotton there is something in her mouth GENTLY take it out. Do it once or twice more, then put the ball/toy away.
Re: Did I mess up fetch?? Here you go Dan The Puppy Retrieve This is a 3 part series about how to develop a great retrieve in your puppy
Re: Did I mess up fetch?? Oh, I loved re-reading the Puppy Recall! Brought it all flooding back! It can be huge fun Dan, I'm sure you and your puppy will be getting the hang of things soon. Do keep us updated!
Re: Did I mess up fetch?? [quote author=Tillydyes link=topic=5829.msg74896#msg74896 date=1399561817] Try forgetting all about commands for now, try having fun with your pup. Next time you play fetch try saying nothing at all, NOTHING, no commands NOTHING. When the pup comes back to you praise/stoke/cuddle/tickle, but DON'T touch that thing in her mouth until you have made a fuss over her and when she has forgotton there is something in her mouth GENTLY take it out. Do it once or twice more, then put the ball/toy away. [/quote] Great advice and I'm 100% in agreement - for anyone who cares what I think
