Lets build perfect retrieves - Page 1

For the competators out there I will throw in the first piece. Never corect the dog from the here position. I always will pivot to the side and make the dog hold quiet. Pivot in front and reward when holding firm and quiet. I try to make it a privelige for the dog to be in front. O'kay now where is the rest of our perfect dumbells.

I teach the dog a "deal". Hold the dumbell calm and I will give you the ball or food or whatever the dog likes. Eventually the ball goes out of sight. I also always mark the behavior I like with praise, and sometimes verbally correct or wait out the chewing behavior. Important as well is the release of the obligation of holding the dumbell with your out word or release. I find most people don't make this clear enough to the dog and are deathly silent when the dog is actually holding calmly. Reinforce that behavior! Contrary to popular belief with a positive retrieve, I have never had a dog refuse to retreive. I make my alpha status known in other ways off the obedience field. I don't think it would occur to my dogs to not retrieve the dumbell.