Lab not keen on retrieving canvas dummy

F

FestiveBoomBoom

Well-Known Member
Joined
26 October 2009
Messages
790
Visit site

I started gundog training with my 20 month old lab a few months ago. He has been absolutely fab and we passed our stage 2 test last month. However, he has never been fussed on retrieving the canvas dummy but absolutely loves the other one my trainer used which has a rabbit skin sown onto it. My trainer says some dogs just don't take to it but I really wanted to field trial with him in the future and am I right in saying you only use the standard dummy? If so, we're not gonna be much good at it! Is there anyway to get them more excited about retrieving a plain old boring dummy?! On our test day he also did his first retrieves with real game which he just loved and looked very pleased with himself lol!
 
My OH occasionally uses a starting pistol while he stands with the dog and I throw a dummy up in the air, to look as though it's a bird being shot. Perhaps this would build up a bit of enthusiasm??
He doesn't do this often though, as his labs are happy enough to lift dummies, but the older bitch knows it's just a training exercise when she sees the canvas!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top