Training to drop/leave

TelH

TelH

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My 2yo springer is ok at drop/leave where toys etc are concerned but I have trained her to be a ratter and that's where we have hit a minor stumbling block :o
She can now kill a rat as well as any terrier but when she has done it she won't drop it :o My jrt always used to do the job and leave it, she is 12 1/2 now and not as quick as she used to be, hence why I have trained the springer.
Anyhoo, the springer goes tearing round the yard with it or hides under the bushes where I can't reach her, I have spent an hour this afternoon before she eventually gave it up and it's not the first time :( I've tried the swap for a biscuit approach but she drives a very hard bargain :o Anyone have any ideas on how to train her to drop? :o
 
If she drops it when you eventually get her, I'm thinking you could maybe attach a thin training lead to her temporarily? Then just grab it and reel her in so she eventually realises she can't prat about. Maybe?!
 
You could try teaching her with a fur dummy to start with - also use a training line as suggested with high value rewards. At the moment, the rat is better than your rewards so you need to up the offer until she gets the idea :)
 
I second the idea about the long line; also, the fact that your biscuit is nowhere near high enough in value (in your dogs eyes) to swap for a rat! :D

Up the ante and do proper 'swapsies' whereby you offer the treat of her choice, she gives you ratty, you then give her ratty back again, let her carry it for a bit (whilst on the line) then offer her another treat, take the rat and keep repeating.

Also, get a couple of dead cold rats and practice. A cold rat will not be as high value as a warm one!!

Have fun! :D

PS. If she does this fine with toys you may want to train with something inbetween the toy and the rat as an intermediary step. Rabbit gundog dummy??
 
Yes you can. However you need to give a reward of some kind every time, and even when the behaviour is solid, give the high value reward on occasion to reinforce the behaviour once again. For example, Henry rarely ever gets a treat for heel work now, but just occasionally he does, so he knows it's still worthwhile to do it :)
 
gunnergundog said:
Up the ante and do proper 'swapsies' whereby you offer the treat of her choice, she gives you ratty, you then give her ratty back again, let her carry it for a bit (whilst on the line) then offer her another treat, take the rat and keep repeating.
Click to expand...

Second that, I did this riiiight at the beginning when my dog couldn't bring himself to let go of even a boring toy. I could see him sort of think "oh thank god, oh wow, I got it back. PHEW" ................. it made it easier for him to part with it!
 
This means I am going to have to touch the rat :eek: :eek: Okaaay :o :o Fortunately there doesn't seem to be too many about but next time she gets one I will try and be brave and swap with her then let her have it back.
 
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