obedience dumbbell

[pamlor]

Hi!

What size of obedience dumbbell have you found that seems to work best for Rotties? Also does the weight seem to make any difference? The db I have now is a 12x14, one piece turned plastic db. Ends are 3", bit width is 3 1/2" and the bit diam. is 7/8". A friend told me that she likes the invince-a-bell bd from J and J better. Any comments or suggestions?

Thanks,

[Orville Story]

The dumbbell will make no difference to the dog. Some women are extremely poor at throwing the dumbbell, so pick one out that you feel you can throw the most consistant. I have friends that may throw short on one throw, and then bounce it out of the ring on the next throw. Work with your friends dumbbells throwing them at a one foot circle. The dumbbell that you can throw in that one foot circle the most often is the best one for you to get.

[pamlor]

Hi!

Thanks for the info on the db. I am currently doing obed with one of my other dogs, so I do know how to throw a db:) Also, I do hate to disagree with you, but the size of the db does make a difference to the dog. If the bells are not large enough the dog will hit his nose on the ground when he goes to pick it up, and if the bit is not wide enough, the dog will not be able to pick it up properly. Same goes for the bit diameter. He also needs to be able to see when he has the db in his mouth, so size does matter there too. Granted, maybe weight doesn't matter quite as much with a Rottie, but then again, some dogs are more particular than others.

[Judi W]

I have 3 or 4 of each, the J&J and wooden ones. I prefer the wooden ones as I believe they are kinder on the dog's mouth, but use the J&J plastic ones when showing on a concrete base floor as I don't have to be concerned about them breaking. The dogs seem to prefer the wooden ones, but don't object to the plastic J&Js.

[pamlor]

Judi,

What is the end size of the J and J db's you have? I started out with a wooden db for my first dog, then switched to the plastic. I might have to try a wooden one though.

[Judi W]

My J&Js have a 3 inch bell, the wooden ones a 2 1/2 inch. My dogs plow at them so hard they always come up with a bit of grass on their noses no matter what the size. That includes when I had the fancy custom fitted bells and bars as well. (which I don't do any more). My scent article ends are 2 1/2 inches as well although we always hope they don't just plow out and grab those!!!

[pamlor]

Judi,

Thanks, that gives me some kind of an idea. I'm heading out to a dog show tomorrow, but when I get back maybe we can talk a little about retreiving db's. Rotties in obed are new to me..I'm used to Terriers!

[Judi W]

Originally posted by pamlor
..I'm used to Terriers!

Hey, piece of cake then. Have you ever watched someone trying Utility with a Westie??????

[pamlor]

Judi,

Yes I have! In fact I have 2 Westies. We only got thru our CD...not because he could not do the work for his CDX, but because he constantly wanted to go and visit on the long sits and downs. I was training alone at the time and didn't have anyone to help me correct the problem. For his safety and my sanity, I decided not to show him any more. I also have a Norwich Terrier. She has her CDX and we are working toward that first time in the utility ring. So far, agility has taken presedence (sp?) over obed.:)

[rottcrazed]

I have used everything I think. I have even had open dumbbells made for my male (his muzzle is very wide and needs a certain size). I prefer the plastic to the wood, although the plastic has a tendency to bounce more on landing and tends to go off in different direction more than a wood dumbbell.

I have small hands and prefer the plastic for that reason as well however, whatever you choose, practice throwing A LOT without your dog so you can get it right!

Kristi

[Judi W]

Basically, I agree with Orville on this in that I don't believe the dog really cares. After all, they pick up a frizbee lying flat on the ground, bring in my newspaper, so touching the ground with their precious noses should hardly cause them a problem. (they also stick that nose in the dirt to make divits) The only thing I would say is that if you have a dog that tends to play/mouth the dumbell, a heavy one discourages that as it must be gripped more firmly.

As far a learning to throw, yes practice, but more than that, if your retrieve is strong, that dog should get the dumbell and bring it back no matter where it might bounce. If it is an over the jump retrieve, same thing applies. Train for off side landings as well as training yourself to throw. Hide the dang thing now and then so they have to hunt for it. Put your hand over their eyes and throw it then give your fetch command. Make it a game if you wish. I do use an "over" command for the over the jump retrieve instead of my on the flat "take it" command so I expect them to jump even if they see the dumbell somewhat offside from the jump. The other rule I have is, until you reach Utility, don't ever look at me from the other side of the jump unless you have something in your mouth to bring back. This eliminates the "gosh, I couldn't find it right under my nose, so I'll just return over the jump anyway" routine. Needless to say, I do not teach a return to me over the jump until I have a retrieve so the picture in the dog's mind is always that when returning to the handler over the jump you're going to be carrying something (preferably a dumbell).

[pamlor]

Thanks Judi, you reminded me of some things I'd forgotten. I have more or less restarted training the db, and I've decided to give the clicker a try. Kristi, I also have small hands and am used to handling the little db's that I use with my Terriers. Holding these 'giant' ones feels sooo odd. And they are heavy compared to the little ones. But to Koda, the db must feel lightweight compared to some of the stuff I've seen him pick up.