[KwickLabs]

What percentage of 7-8 week old puppies will pick up a paint roller and run back toward you with it in a small hallway? Consider the litters in question to have at least one nicely titled parent and a better than average pedigree. 8)

How significant is this early demonstration? :roll:

 

[Peake]

If ever LVL's now famous quote applies it's here AKA "It Depends." :wink:
Peake
________
Hot Box Vaporizers

 

[Craig Bauer]

The pups should do it, if the breeder has done his/her job up to that point socializing and working with the pups. Not all pups will do it every time, but over half to 3/4 will do it.

So in other words "it depends" LVL 2003

 

[ErinsEdge]

I use wings and then wings on puppy bumpers and most of mine bring them back. I use it as an aid in selecting placement in homes. A lap sitter that has little interest usually ends up being more suited as a companion. It has worked for me. I especially like the ones that pounce on the wings and shake em.

 

[Angie B]

The breeder should have had the little guys out retrieving at 5 weeks. At least if they were doing their job right.

Talk about alot of work. :roll:

Angie

 

[Aussie]

I socialise my pups soooo much. On our property we are blessed with so much variety regarding our ground cover.

As I stay home with my dogs so apart from training my older dogs every other minute besides being in this forum, I spend with the pups. Often to the great expense of housework and even feeding long suffering Andrew.

We have many visitors as well who are encouraged to play with our puppies.

Besides exploring every inch of our property, I enjoy the puppies to chase a rag on a length of rope. From about 5 weeks with pups are wading and splashing through water and retrieving down the hallway. At about six weeks I encourage the pups to return to me in the hallway with a piece of cheese or chicken while I am sitting down on the floor acting like a complete dork. When the pups have returned with their toy I do not take the pidgeon or toy off them for about a minute. I praise them again like a complete dork and give them a small treat. At about 7 weeks they are chewing my hands big time as I pick them up and they know it is retrieving down the hall way time and swimming (remember my last litter was born in summer here). Often pup will drop the toy in their excitement for a treat but that is OK as long as their returns to me are fast.

With staying at home I suppose I have the added pleasure of seeing how long puppies sleep. I love the ones that do not seem to sleep as much as their litter mates during the day.

Our pups leave us in Australia at 8 weeks. I woud expect every pup to be retrieving by that time. How funny pups look when they pounce on the article and fall over themselves trying to stop and following the quieter big dogs into the water.

Recently with my last litter I took the opportunity to deliver two of mine to their new owners. They were fantastic. No hesitation at all in their new homes. I has a bit horrifed when one new owner threw a ball so far away, but damm it that pup flew out, picked it up and returned to them. I was so proud. No fear at all.

 

[scott]

By 8 weeks old? I have never had one I have tried it with that wouldn't do it. Of course any pup I was trying it with at 8 weeks was started at 5 weeks with a knotted sock.

 

[JMAC]

My little girl brought back a live pigeon to me when I picked her up. Man was that cool. She is intense about anything I carry or throw, has been since 7 weeks. Course her first public appearance with the training group and live pigeons, she just chased and sniffed. Go figure.

JMAC

 

[SteveL]

I use a canvas puppy bumper or a pigeon. Just about every puppy in every litter will go after it and bring it back.

 

[Kevin Mays]

i just sent a litter home this past week. all pups would retrieve and return at 6 weeks.