Hi ideas required, Tom at 7 months is showing interest when balls/ toys are thrown beginning to bring back but try as we might we can't get him to drop. If not careful it becomes a tug of war. Really keen to get him into these games but unsure of next steps. Thanks T and C
Re: retrieve I followed the instructions in the clicker training section and it worked like a charm. I'll try to post a link: http://totallygundogs.com/clicker-trained-retrieve/ As Molly was already picking things up, but then running around with them instead of bringing them back, I skipped to the delivery section of the instructions. I started in our very small living room and then the garden and then outside. I also think it's easier to start with something that doesn't roll (like a dummy). As Molly won't be a working dog I play tug with her - but she always has to hand me the toy first before I give the cue 'play' for a tuggy game.
Re: retrieve Meg just did it and we named the behaviour. I have never chased or taken anything out of her mouth. I think she once did I it a gave her a treat. She caught on very quickly and drops anything really easily. She is 8 months
Re: retrieve Clicker retrieve is good...but...apparently for some dogs it works well and quite easily. But for others (like mine!) the clicker retrieve inside is just the start of a very long journey to generalise it outside. Which is not in the instructions! Even if your dog is picking things up, I would not skip the "hold part" - and start with that, and get it super strong, regardless of what your dog will or won't do on his own. You won't regret it later.
Re: retrieve We taught our pup to retrieve through using the click and treat. Firstly using tennis balls inside, then in the garden, starting at scratch by just a few feet, then lengthening the throw, C&T when the ball touched my hand. He never really had much of a drive until recently, and by clicking when he touched my hand with the ball has helped enormously with delivery. He never hangs on to balls or dummies, unless it is clear we are playing, but then in that scenario my language is different.
