Stopping to chew on the dumbell

[Ilovemypuppy]

I started training with Bailey on the dumbell retrieve. She sits and waits ..I throw the dumbell...then wait a few seconds (varying the time)..then release her. She's very fast off the mark to get to the dumbell, but stops to chew on it when she gets to it. She starts to pick it up...then drops it and starts to chew. (It's a white plastic dumbell)

I wear leather gloves and clap my hands loudly and call to "bring!" and she eventually (a few seconds) grabs the dumbell and comes charging back to me to give it into my hands and outs. Lots of praise..and she wiggles and weaves through my legs and is so excited..she just loves it.

I don't want to, in any way, spoil her enthusiasm, so how do I get her to NOT stop to chew ?

[Judi W]

And your question is? Is it a retrieve problem or a recall problem.

It is a retrieve issue. She does not see it as business to be accomplished efficiently and rapidly. I'd suggest that you go back and rebuild the foundation so that it becomes an obedience exercise that is fun, but not just play. This is not always necessary with a play retrieve, but if the dog is treating the dumbell as a toy, I think you might consider it.

[Ilovemypuppy]

All retrieves in play also include a return..straight back...that's the only way the game continues and she is very good at that. I am thinking that this plastic dumbell might just be too enticing. We retrieve 'in play' with rubber toys or stuffed toys. Could it be the plastic ? I wondered whether she 'sees' it as a nylabone ?

[Judi W]

You said she is stopping and chewing on it so she is not doing a straight back. If you simply stop after she has returned, she might not have any idea why the game is ending. If you are going to use just a stopping as your correction, you will need to do it the minute she starts to chew it not call her back and then stop.

I doubt it is the plastic because that hard plastic is not enticing to chew like a rubber toy. If you think that might be the difference, then use a wooden one and see.

I'd consider running out with her on lead, giving her the command and requiring an immediate pickup and then running backward to your starting point so she doesn't have a chance to play with it. Then praise praise and reward.

[Miabella]

This is a common problem with a "play retrieve". Have you taught her a solid "take", "hold" and "out" without throwing the dumbell? If you haven't, go back and do that. Teach her to hold the dumbell in her mouth without chewing first in a sit, then stand, then heeling. If she tries to chew, put your hand under her chin and repeat your hold command and praise when she holds it solidly without chewing. You will need to slowly build the amount of time she holds it. Do not add movement until she has a solid hold while sitting or standing.

Like Judi said, retrieving is fun but it is also serious business. She needs to know that this is a job and you have to give her a job description.

[Ilovemypuppy]

Thanks so much Judi and Laurie......back to training with all this great information..much appreciated !

[Judi W]

It's hard the first time, and on top of that, it can be hard the next times as well as each dog is different! But what you are describing is simply play without the work part attached. She'll get there just fine. Just back up.

[lblax]

out of curosity on the akc stuff do you guys let them carry the dumbell however or clear back in the back of the mouth in the molars like we do in schutzhund

[Judi W]

Gripping no matter what the size is best done over the P1s and 2s behind the canines. That allows a good grip without movement. The scoring states without mouthing, or playing with it. In order for that to be the case it pretty much needs a proper grip.

[lblax]

the reason i ask was wondering how they were to hold it to you on the front...
this site http://www.finographics.com/schutzhu...lretrieve.html
explains pretty much how most of the people i know achieve the hold it has always worked well for us

[Judi W]

A good clean pick up and then there should be no shifting or movement whether moving, jumping or fronting.

[MontanaRott]

Originally Posted by Judi W

A good clean pick up and then there should be no shifting or movement whether moving, jumping or fronting.

Yes. Guerin had a good solid foundation for the hold and now when he goes out for the retrieve, and picks it up, it is rock solid in his mouth, going over the jump, during the front, whatever. It is that foundation work that is so important. And he holds it right behind his canines.
Work that solid, take it, hold, and out, and you will be fine Jory. Don't rush it.