how do you get a dog to hold a dumb bell and bring it back to you?

Question

my boy (BSD) will not bring his dumb bell back, he will throw it at my feet, have tried most methods my trainer at club says to be hard on him and let him know he is doing it wrong but I want this to remain fun for him

Answer 1

This is actually more complicated than one would think, as there are several behaviors involved. I suggest doing a Google search for "teaching fetch" or " teach dog retrieve" or something like that. There are sites that will give you the step-by-step. I think most trick training books have info on teaching fetch, too.

Good for you for not being hard on your dog for this. Like you said, it should be fun. Your dog isn't going to enjoy playing fetch or doing field work (if that is your goal) if he is only doing so to avoid punishment.

Answer 2

Tell your trainer at the club to try to work the dog with an Electric collar. There is no stress on the dog with this method and the results are excellent. All of my dogs have been trained with an E collar and they work very happily and with great enthusiasm. Try it on your dog, you will have great results. Make sure that you understand how an E collar works first, not as a punishment tool, but as a motivational tool.

Answer 3

sit the dog in front of you then put the Dumb bell in his mouth and tell him to hold then take it from him with a command leave, then give him a treat it does take quite a while to teach but will be worth it. another way is dog on lead at your side throw dumb bell just in front of you put your left leg forward bring the dog round in front of you he should pick it up and give it to you in exchange for a treat and plenty of praise. Be patient good luck and have fun.

Answer 4

Pat him on the head, tell him he's a good dog and move on to the next activity. Since "fun" is the name of the game he must find it "fun" to throw it at your feet instead of your way.

Answer 5

My 5 month old puggle loves to play fetch...as soon as I say the word she runs to get a toy.....she is very good at it, except when it comes to releasing the toy back to me. she brings it to me but won't let go of it....I just sit there waiting until she lets go by her self. When she finally does, I praise her for playing nicely......I'm hoping this will eventually work out, until it does we will just keep playing this way. Maybe someone out there has a better idea for us both......d

Answer 6

if dumb bell is metal, wrap with rubber. dogs do not like metal in their teeth