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puppy retrieving question

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I need a little help. I have a 4 month old puppy. We have been playing fetch in the house and he has gotten really good about bringing the paint roller back to me. Today i decided we need to start working outside so I can start to lengthen the distance a little bit. Well I tired everything to get him fired up to go pick it up. Sometimes he would run up and stiff it, but most of the times he would run after it and get to it and keep running. He would rather sniff or chew on a tree stick. the session ended with me being really frustrated.

Is this normal and I just have to keep at it?
 
#2 ·
What kind of distances outside? Does he get fired up inside the house to play? Also, where are you playing outside? In a yard that he's accustomed to being in? It might help to keep the distances short and go to an open field where there aren't many distractions around. Also, if he's running away, you should use a check cord.
 
#3 ·
It's normal and remember you can overdo the retrieving but you can never overdo the recall. If the pup isn't insane to retrieve, I would limit the number of hand-thrown retrieves he gets. Try to get someone to help you and take the pup to different locations. Get a helper to quack on a duck call and toss the bumper while you're holding the pup, let him go when the bumper is in the air. Do these retrieves in short grass, no cover, so the pup learns to use his eyes (they're born knowing how to use their noses). By using a helper and going to different places, he's much more likely to come back to you with it. If it's too hard to get a helper, only do hand-thrown retrieves for him once or twice a week, and try to take him to different locations where you can let him explore off lead. Practice lots of recalls and do one or two throws in different spots. I like to wait til they're off exploring and then hide and call the pup. In a new place, they'll be much more likely to want to come and find you than in your back yard.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
whitefoot said:
What kind of distances outside? Does he get fired up inside the house to play? Also, where are you playing outside? In a yard that he's accustomed to being in? It might help to keep the distances short and go to an open field where there aren't many distractions around. Also, if he's running away, you should use a check cord.
Click to expand...
The first few throws were around 25 feet. After that I tried to reduce the throws to around 5 feet to make it easy. In the house it has gotten to the point all i have to do is say hup hup hup and toss the paint roller and he will go get it. It wasnt the first time he was in this yard hes been in it about 10 times. I do have a check cord on him. He would run off towards a stick to chew on and i said say no and reel him back in. I would tease with the paint roller and toss it and he would run after it and keep running.
 
#5 ·
Let him play and explore in the yard more. Get him as accustomed to it as possible. Like others have said, don't overdo the retrieving. He has a short attention span, throw it twice, praise heavily when he brings it back, even give treats at that age. I wouldn't get too frustrated he is still young. Use a check cord, don't expect too much and most importantly keep it fun.

Also, try airing him out a bit. Don't jump right into the retrieving when he is outside. Give him 5-10 minutes to explore, once he is done, take out the paint roller and get him excited. He'll give you more attention.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Julie R. said:
It's normal and remember you can overdo the retrieving but you can never overdo the recall. If the pup isn't insane to retrieve, I would limit the number of hand-thrown retrieves he gets. Try to get someone to help you and take the pup to different locations. Get a helper to quack on a duck call and toss the bumper while you're holding the pup, let him go when the bumper is in the air. Do these retrieves in short grass, no cover, so the pup learns to use his eyes (they're born knowing how to use their noses). By using a helper and going to different places, he's much more likely to come back to you with it. If it's too hard to get a helper, only do hand-thrown retrieves for him once or twice a week, and try to take him to different locations where you can let him explore off lead. Practice lots of recalls and do one or two throws in different spots. I like to wait til they're off exploring and then hide and call the pup. In a new place, they'll be much more likely to want to come and find you than in your back yard.
Click to expand...
If a pup isnt crazy about retrieving will he still make good hunting dog still? that is my concern.
 
#9 ·
Don't get discouraged here. I am training a 4 month old right who has a similar attitude. Everyone had great points here. For mine i found he gets bored of the paint roller if i use it every time so i rotate different types of bumpers, soft plastic, small canvas, little Avery teal, rubber duck, ball, whatever he likes.

Get him some real birds to play with if you haven't already. I keep a couple teal in the freezer we play with quite often.

Good luck...and post some pics:)
 
#10 ·
could be starting teething too. paint roller shouldn't bother too much but i have had pups that would hardly pick up anything between 4 and 5 1/2 months. then bam, all the desire in the world. don't worry or get frustrated.
j mc
 
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