Teaching a dog to retrieve.....

[_Acolyte_]

Anyone got any tips? Flick has a ball on a rope which she loves chasing - she dashes after it at top greyhound speed, dive bombs it, picks it up....... and then when I call her she drops it and comes dashing back to me

I am not sure quite how to explain to her that I am very pleased she comes back, but I would like the ball too thanks

Or am I chasing a lost cause as greyhounds arent meant to retrieve?

 

[Horseyscot]

Actually my hubbie takes a greyhound shooting

Not

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

Hehe! Sounds like your girl is going to need a bit of work!! I can't be of any help I'm afraid as all our dogs have been labs, setters and spaniels so we have spent more time trying to get them to put things down and leave them!! Our gardens are littered with sticks, balls, socks, stray shoes.....;-)

 

[Goya]

Sounds like she needs to be taught to "hold it". I taught my dog this at home. I sat in an armchair with the ball, toy or whatever and kept just giving it to her to hold saying "hold it" (or whatever command you wish to use, but keep it consistent) and gently held the muzzle shut with the onbject in it, while I was saying it. Once they have the "hold" then you can start by putting the ball, toy or whatever on the floor just a few feet away and say the same command and send the dog then call back too you. You can have them on a lead at this point to ensure they come back. This can all be done in the lounge if you want or at home somewhere. This worked for me. Good luck.

 

[madmav]

I have opposite problem. Dog always retrieves but won't give item back. If you try to reward him giving with treat, just hangs around for food and won't chase stick/ball. Have given up!

 

[Cop-Pop]

But she looks so proud of herself when she stands on it

Andy did try and teach her but he was too interested in kissing her instead

 

[_Acolyte_]

LMAO - well thanks to all for your replies, but especial thanks to Goya for providing a helpful answer LOL

I will try and do as you suggest, Flick is a bit like a ditzy blonde (no offence to blondes BTW, I am one

) so I think she just cant get her head around the idea... but will try as you suggest

 

[Ravenwood]

LOL - no idea about greyhounds personally but have never managed to teach a dog hold either

When she gets the ball have you tried running away in the opposite direction or hiding behind a hedge/door or whatever? The idea is that the dog is so confused to see you are not there - or wondering what on earth you are up to running away from her that hopefully she will forget to drop the ball and bring it back to you = masses of praise!!

I have used this trick often to get a dog to present to hand, I have even resorted to throwing myself on the floor and the dog jumps all over you with the dummy/ball still in his mouth.

Good job no one was watching!!!

 

[GinaB]

I tend to stand and yell 'dear God just pick the damn thing up!' Apparently that works

Both Tina and Cindy picked up easily from a young age, came naturally to them. Beastie on the other hand reckons that as you were the one threw it, you can damn well go and get it again