Erik Vigeland
Senior Member

At first my dog would only hold it for a short amount of time as well. Once we established "hold" for a short amount of time i would give the bumper a quick tap with my hand while it was in her mouth and say "hold". This seemed to tighten her grip a little and she caught on fast not to drop it until given the "give' command. If she dropped it i said 'no' and made her pick it back up.. I am by no means an expert but this seemed to work with my pup.. good luck to ya...

It won't let me post all that I wrote, so email me at vigs@frontiernet.net, and I'll give you my full response! Just put Old Oak in the subject, so I know it's from you.

Thanks,

Erik

FTCH Rockenhart Voyager (Sam) is a great dog. His temperament is awesome...very relaxed and friendly, but when it's time to work, the switch goes on and he is an absolute machine. Very fun to watch. My only criticism (the first time I saw him) was that he was smaller (50-60 lbs). With that said, my last lab was a horse (85-100 lbs), so it is/was more of a change for me. Now I love the more compact look, especially for being in the field (they can run all day!). Rick and Andrea at Old Oak do an awesome job being very selective in who they breed their dogs with. My Teegan is jet black like his mother, but I can start to see some Sam in him. I can definitely see it in how he performs in the field. He too is a rocket.

Erik, I am a new member and I am interested in buying a pup or of Irish FTCH Rockenhart Voyager and a sire from KT British labs in Elbow Lake, MN. Can you give me any advice or thoughts on Irish FTCH Rockenhart Voyager and OldOak Retrievers? Did you look at KT Brits when you were buying your latest pup? I would really appreciate any advice! Thanks, Andy​

Hi, I just read your post about the problems you are having with holding. I also have a lab (1.5yr) that hates her feet touched and started out struggling with hold. The similiest solution i found was to start by using the FF method. I put the bumper in front of her and told her to fetch (without pinching her ear) and once she did i just tried to hold her mouth shut but gently. After i commanded 'give' i gave her a treat. i know most people do not like to train with treats but this was the only way i could get her to 'want' to hold. it took her a about two days of this and now she will hold upon command repetitively. Hope this helps... Smart dog if he knows to give the leash to 'mom'! He will catch on!