June 16, 2020
I'm training the 'Retrieve' with my dog but they show no interest in taking the item. Any suggestions?
Full Question:
I have the Training the Retrieve with Michael Ellis video and am working with my dog on the "Take it" part of the training. My dog shows no interest in taking the PVC pipe. I tried to move to a wooden dowel, still no luck. I have tried about 5 sessions and still no interest, not even a little interest to try and reward for shaping the behavior.I decided to move on to the hold part of the training which is going well, but I am afraid if I go out of order it may mess up my progress in the end.
Any suggestions?
Cindy's Answer:
I actually teach the hold and work on that a LOT before I ask the dog to take it. Not all dogs will offer or have interest in taking the item until you've really instilled the hold and then they are like "OH, I get it" when you finally ask them to take it.
I've been working on the hold a lot with my young dog. Now I'm moving with him holding the PVC and asking for him to come front. I've been working on it sporadically for quite some time and I am in no hurry to ask him to take it until my hold is rock solid and I've proofed it by adding movement, delaying my yes marker, etc. I hope that makes sense.
I've been working on the hold a lot with my young dog. Now I'm moving with him holding the PVC and asking for him to come front. I've been working on it sporadically for quite some time and I am in no hurry to ask him to take it until my hold is rock solid and I've proofed it by adding movement, delaying my yes marker, etc. I hope that makes sense.
User Response:
That is very helpful. Thank you for the quick reply. Stay safe...
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