Some success at last with selective retrieve

Discussion in 'Labrador Training' started by David, May 3, 2013.

  1. David

    David Registered Users

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    I've been tearing my hair out trying to get Lady to pick up the dummy I want her to get and leave the other one but she was continually trying to retrieve them both. It was so simple to get success at last that I could kick myself. The problem was me not giving the dog any credit for a bit of intelligence.

    1) I made her sit.

    2) I threw the first tennis ball (not too far) and told her to wait.

    3) I threw the second ball (not too far) and told her to leave it.

    4) I sent her after the first ball and she brought it back as good as gold.

    5) I sent her after the second ball ditto.

    Repeated three times with equal success. Woohooh!

    Clearly just me not making it clear what I wanted her to do. Doh!!

    That was in the garden so I think I can move on and start proofing this initial BIG step forward.
     
  2. bbrown

    bbrown Moderator Forum Supporter

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    Re: Some success at last with selective retrieve

    Riley always tries to get both too :) it doesn't help that he can actually fit two tennis balls in his massive gob. I always use my biggest dummies so he can't pick them both up which gives me a chance of correction. I've been using a wide corridor widthways too so he has to come past me. Starting this in open space was a disaster ::)
     
  3. kateincornwall

    kateincornwall Registered Users

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    Re: Some success at last with selective retrieve

    Well done David :)
    Sam also carries two balls in his mouth , tries for three but cant quite manage it , well done to Lady :)
     
  4. Karen

    Karen Registered Users

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    Re: Some success at last with selective retrieve

    Well done David, it does give you a feeling of great satisfaction when that works, doesn't it? I've been working on the two-dummy retrieve with Pops too - with mixed success!!! ;)
     
  5. bbrown

    bbrown Moderator Forum Supporter

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    Re: Some success at last with selective retrieve

    And bless little lady, she's so clever :)
     
  6. pippa@labforumHQ

    pippa@labforumHQ Administrator

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    Re: Some success at last with selective retrieve

    That sound great David, once you have got the habit of fetching one at a time well established, you can place the dummies or balls a little closer, but to start with, having them 180 degrees apart, with you in the middle, will help avoid trouble.
     
  7. David

    David Registered Users

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    Re: Some success at last with selective retrieve

    Thanks Pippa. Wasn't actually thinking along those lines but did that by accident this morning. Good strategy. I'll concentrate on proofing up to much closer in the garden to kick off then try her in the field in a few weeks time, or whenever we get to that stage.
     

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