I use the leerburg method to train retrieve (michael ellis video). I have a few dogs that are to possessive with the tug and toys in general. Any suggestions other than free shaping for these types of dogs.
Duane Hull Webboard User Reg: 09-23-2011
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Loc: Marrero, LA
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FWIW, I have a suggestion for high food-drive dogs. My dog (in areas with distractions) will not chase a ball. However, in these same places with distractions, she bounds after it crazily, then brings it back and trades for her treat.
I started this in our own yard first, then took it to new places, and it really works.
Ben McDonald Webboard User Reg: 05-25-2011
Posts: 439
Loc: Lawton, OK
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Quote: Duane Hull
FWIW, I have a suggestion for high food-drive dogs. My dog (in areas with distractions) will not chase a ball. However, in these same places with distractions, she bounds after it crazily, then brings it back and trades for her treat.
I started this in our own yard first, then took it to new places, and it really works.
Thats awsome, I never even thought of that approach.
Keep in mind that although the M.Ellis videos for training the retrieve are awsome for training sport dogs (or any dogs!), and the principals hold true for service animals. Service animals have to be trained to operate at a much lower state of excitability, and sometimes have to be careful with how much bite force they apply to an object (use a soft mouth). On top of that a host of other things, which is why service animals are usually tailor trained to a specific individual with specific needs.
Denise, one of my GSDs is a natural retriever. The other had no desire to retrieve. He was also very possessive. If he had something and you walked towards him he just moved away.
I taught him the retrieve with back chaining and markers. All motivational! He now greets me at the door with his ball. If I don't come out he keeps bumping the door with it. He LOVES to retrieve now.
Even the natural retriever was taught the formal retrieve with markers.
He has no desire to play tug or return any toys. He will go to a spot and lay down with the item. I understood from the Michael Ellis video that tug can increase a dogs possessive nature so I am looking for a starting point to start the retrieve exercise since he does not want to interact and bring toys back to me. No, I never chase after him.
Yes, I understand the need for a softer mouth with a service dog. Employing the hold exercise helps them to understand that hold means just that and not to crunch down. It takes some time but I have been pretty successful so far.
Reg: 11-04-2008
Posts: 572
Loc: Hampshire, England
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Denise I would train this on a long line - so he has no option to take the toy away. Encourage fetch or hold, reel him in and big reward when he gets to you.
I would also allow the posessive behaviour with his OWN toys - allow him the freedom to just be a dog. But you won't ask him to retrieve those (few) items.
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Training retrieve for service dog
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