Retrieve Training - The 'hold'

[SmoothieGirl]

Hi all, just wondering if I can pick your brains of some wisdom and experience.

I'm teaching Bronte the broken down aspects of retrieve (all the stationary bits anyway as she has a leg fracture in a splint). But we have a little problem that I want some tips on now to prevent it becoming a big problem.

She takes the object (plastic piping/dowel/end of wooden spoon) fine and gives it back quite nicely too. She will even hold onto it (most times) until I ask for it back, but she thinks its awesome fun to chew the object she is holding at the same time. Now while this doesn't seem a problem at this point, she's only been working on this a week, the last thing I want is for her to keep it up and then when we get to dumbells she thinks its okay to have a munch while holding onto it.

Do you think its just puppy play and will go away, or is this unusual? Any hints, tips, tricks to get her to just hold and not fiddle or chew?

Edited August 22, 2009 by Shel72

[Ptolomy]

Originally I would wait the dog out to stop chewing the article and then click and treat. But have found this is not a good plan. Now the moment the dog chews the article I take it off them withhold the article for a couple of seconds and then give it back and reward the take and hold. You can use a non reward marker eg too bad or wrong when they munch it.

[dogdude]

I would also use a non reward marker.

Another point when teaching retrieve is to start off with a proper, well fitting dumbell, which will help them feel comfortable with it in their mouth. It also helps if the shaft is not too thin, and a little more on the chunky side at first, rather than thin.

I use a training dumbell with a larger shaft. (thickness). Also, make sure it has plenty of clearance off the ground (good bell height), for when the dog starts to pick it up off the ground. The shaft should be a snug but comfortable fit length wise, which will also discourage mouthing and throwing around.

[PAX]

Seeing as you're just playing while she's injured why not use a metal article like a spoon or something that is less desirable to chew.

[SmoothieGirl]

Thanks all, great tips. I'll definitely incorporate a non reward marker, being a soft dog I think she'll pick that up really quick. I'll play with the other hints too.

[SmoothieGirl]

How typical is this of our dogs. I just spent a quick five minutes with Bronte doing to training to break her boredom and to try out the tips you gave me. The damn dog (good girl though) never once chewed the object, she held it then gave it to me like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. Oh well, I'll put those tips into action another time I guess.

[Piri]

How typical is this of our dogs. I just spent a quick five minutes with Bronte doing to training to break her boredom and to try out the tips you gave me. The damn dog (good girl though) never once chewed the object, she held it then gave it to me like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. Oh well, I'll put those tips into action another time I guess.

If you can "mark" and take the object before the chewing starts and slowly increase the hold time.