I think it is a great idea to use his eagerness to chase as a way to train the recall - I had not thought of that before. I think we will try it this evening in fact. It sounds like something he will enjoy doing, and it is a good way to use some energy before he sleeps. The ball is a great reward for him.

I am so far very happy with all that I have seen from this chessie puppy. He has so much life and focus, I just want him to grow up to be a good adult who does not get himself into trouble. It is all so very different from raising a labrador, but things would become boring if all puppies were the same.

Thank you all for the very helpful replies!

Hi Sari,

I have a 14-week-old yellow lab that sounds a lot like your chessie. From my recent viewing of LB's DVDs (I have 3), I discovered my puppy has a strong "prey drive" and is "hard" (headed!). Yesterday, she got in her 'manic phase' and ran around our fenced backyard, (trailing her training lead) and then sunk her teeth into the back of my right leg (ouch...!). I was completely still (didn't want her to confuse me with prey) thinking she might end up with her mouth on one of my limbs. Oh well. That one really hurt.

She has a strong food drive, but even the best food I've offered (additive-free hot dog bits) won't interest her when she's hunting. She's a 50/50 mix of English Lab and American Lab, so I was hoping she'd have some of the laid-back attitude of the English style. Not (yet, anyway).

As for being mouthy, yes, Clio likes grass, mulch, acorns, tree limbs, rocks, garden netting, pinecones, flowers, ants, worms, yellow jackets (ouch...that one hurt). The list seems to be endless. She vomited one time and I was amazed. YES, I try really hard to keep her from the stuff, but her mouth is really close to the ground! Some of the "goodies" won't hurt her, but enough rocks and she will obstruct (not good). I'm thinking of getting a muzzle, but I'm pretty sure it's not recommended for a puppy.

Your pup sure is cute!
PS - I'm going to try the Recall suggestion the next time I see her charging at me. And I'll keep a tug-type toy with me, in addition to the frisbees. I'm learning a lot from this site!!