I am a new handler with a 2 year old male Mal in training and having a hard time with article search. If the item is big like a gun he picks it up and will run off and play keep away. If if I present a ball he will ignore it. I could throw the ball to him and he will leave the ball and keep the gun and continue to run off. If the item is small and boring like a shot gun shell he won't pick it up, but he will still not down on ANY item. Then out of the blue some items are picked up and brought to my feet. UGGG I don't know if this is a domiance problem, because during obedience his down is so much slower than anyone in the class. I need some ideas to try at home.
Thanks

David,
Try this:


1. If his indication is the DOWN, make sure he is 100% solid on the DOWN in Obedience, even if you have to re-teach the down from the beginning, before expecting him to do it as part of an area search.
2. Teach the Indication. Associate his DOWN to an article using a different command, for example SHOW ME, SUCH, FIND IT, etc... Start with one article type, then as he is solid with that start adding a variety of articles. This is pretty easy to do with a dog that has good food motivation or one that can collect/contain himself in order to offer the toy.
3. During #2, the dog has to understand that he is only to indicate on the object, not mouth it, pick it up, throw it, etc…
4. All of this should be done in a relatively confined area (even inside) or on leash or both. This way he cannot just self-reward and play keep-away.
5. Reward every proper indication.
6. Once he’s solid on a variety of articles, one at a time, in close proximity to you…scatter a number of the same articles about on the floor or ground, in maybe a 20-30’ area. On a long line, give him the search command…
7. Reward the proper indications. If he is confused, ignores articles, etc..don’t let him. Help him only as much as is needed, but make sure he understands he needs to indicate on every one of the articles. Be calm, firm, and consistent.