I have a yellow lab and most of the time she's pretty good about fetching and/or retrieving. But sometimes I'll throw the ball or whatever and she'll just sit there like she has no idea what is going on. How do I teach her that this is a command like sit or stay and that when the ball is thrown she should go and get it?
2007-08-12 08:13:35 · 5 answers · asked by Hunter 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I'm thinking that there might be some rewarding that's going missing here. Do you reward her at times for bringing the ball back?
Also - could be that there's something more distracting going on in the environment, but probably not. If that were the case, then she'd just be gone.
Try treats, and see how it goes! Oh, and end the game with her still wanting you to throw the ball. If you overface your dog by playing this game to exhaustion, she won't want to play. Good luck!
2007-08-12 08:23:24 · answer #1 · answered by Misa M 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
That's the down side to positive training as they are taught to do what is the most fun. However, does she REALLY need to do it all the time? Perhaps it is just too hot? Maybe some other activity is needed to break up the routine?
To teach her to do it, you'll have to start from the beginning by tossing the ball (?) a few inches while she is in a sit or down, tell her "fetch!" (or whatever). She needs to be leashed. If she does, fine! Praise and toss it a bit further the next time. If she doesn't, pull her towards it and place it in her mouth and praise mildly while remaining upbeat in appearnce. Repeat two more times. If she still doesn't, wait a few hours and repeat. Any time she does it on her own - lavish praise. As she gets the idea and is dependable at further and further a distance start to tell her "bring!" and give her a tug from your long line if she doesn't. At the first step towards you, praise! Do not repeat the command. If she stops mid way, give another tug. If that doesn't work, go to her and lead her to where you were then mildly praise. In time, she will do the whole routine on command.
2007-08-12 15:40:33 · answer #2 · answered by Caninelegion 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Every time she retrieves it give her lots of praise, but try to stay away from rewarding her with food. Make sure there is physical contact after every single time she fetches, and lots of "good girl" type things.
2007-08-12 15:22:30 · answer #3 · answered by cosmichorizon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For a fun game that is not totally reliable but more than no training try clicker training. I use the ear pinch method on dogs who are going to be shown in obed. and a reliable retrieve is a must.
2007-08-12 15:34:03 · answer #4 · answered by ginbark 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
do you do what others want you to do all the time ?
2007-08-12 15:19:26 · answer #5 · answered by www.darrensmall.co.uk 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋