My 7 month old black lab will retrieve for me but rarely leaves, he seems to view it all as a game and runs away a short distance. I do want him to have " play " time but it is an issue when he picks up objects he shouldn't especially when out walking
Re: Retrieve and leave issues Ah yes - much more fun to try and get you to chase! Does he drop the toy when he goes off at a distance? If so, you could use a clicker or chosen word as soon as he drops it and throw a treat and build up from there.
Re: Retrieve and leave issues He is a little inconsistent , sometimes he will drop it when bored other times not at all. Maybe I am expecting too much at 7 month old, will try your advice and see how he goes
Re: Retrieve and leave issues I train retrieves and leaves separately. With leave it I start in the house very close to the dog with a piece of food in my hand, when he goes to take it I close my hand and say "leave it". Then I open my hand again and if he goes to take the food close it etc etc. when he stops trying to take the food I reward him with food from my other hand. This progresses until I can put roast chicken on his paws or in front of his nose on my knee and he'll leave it. Then I take the same exercises out into the garden and then out on walks. This eventually stopped Riley my lab eating horse poo : For retrieves there are different ways to get started, I've been lucky with both my dogs in that they have natural desire to retrieve. Coming back and delivery of the retrieve have posed problems but nothing insurmountable. You'll find lots of info on retrieving and an article on playing keep away here: http://totallygundogs.com/retrieving-for-gundogs/
