Hello Adam:
I have a chocolate Labrador Retriever (very active) that is being
trained (in OPEN class now) and he seems to be regressing since
we are working on retrieving.
He
retrieves very well with the dumbbell, etc., but other dogs in the
class do not. And they bring toys for their retrieval work.
My problem is that my dog is just "overcome" with these
toys and isn't paying close attention to me. He goes after THEIR
toy many times instead of HIS dumbbell.
He
knows the command "look" or WATCH ME" but serious
corrections don't even deter his disobedience on this toy-retrieval.
HELP! How should I handle this?
Thank
you!
Mary
Dear
Mary:
These
are the type of questions that I like. They’re interesting.
First, make absolute 100% sure that your dog DOES understand the
“Bring” or “Fetch” command.
Assuming
that he does, here’s the next step:
Recognize that the problem you’re having is one of disrespect.
The reason that your dog goes for his neighbor’s toy AFTER
you’ve clearly commanded him to BRING his dumbbell is that
he CARES LESS about what you want. As the dog goes into ‘play/prey’
drive, his sensitivity to your corrections goes WAY DOWN. In other
words, you’re giving him a $2 ticket and he needs a $200 ticket.
Here’s the easiest way to communicate to your dog (with this
exercise) that you are serious:
Buy
a remote electronic training collar. I recommend Innotek or Dogtra.
Here’s how to use it to fix your dog problem:
Follow the directions on matching the e-collar (remote electronic
training collar) to your dog’s temperament.
Next,
place a dumbbell on the opposite side of the room—straight
in front of the dog-- and also place a distraction toy… off
to the right.
Send
the dog to retrieve the dumbbell. Let him wear a long line, also.
As he starts to veer to the right to go after the toy, say, “No!”
in a loud, forceful tone and then immediately stimulate him with
the e-collar. Re-issue the “Bring” or “Fetch”
command and use the long line to redirect him back on course, as
he may be confused. When the dog starts to go toward the dumbbell
again, immediately begin loud verbal praise, “Good dog, Good
dog.”
There
you go. Now just repeat this same exercise by altering the training
location and the type of distractions. After a few times you’ll
be able to eliminate the long line. And after a few set-ups, the
problem will be fixed.
To read more of my dog training ramblings, read about my book (click
below):
Secrets
of a Professional Dog Trainer!
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