Gundog Puppy Training Tip ~ Retrieve

Retrieving is a Labrador or golden retriever's favorite thing to do. Start this training as soon as you get your gun dog home. Purchase retrieving dummies. Hold your puppy back with one hand on its chest, and show it the dummy. Toss the dummy no more than a few meters away, and release your puppy as you give a verbal command such as "fetch," "retrieve" or "get it." Start this training in a hallway so that your puppy has no choice but to return to you. Praise it each time it does. Never be quick to take the dummy away, keep praising the dog whilst its hold ing the dummy. Again, reward your puppy with praise and a treat if it gives the dummy back to you without a fight. Gradually increase the length of your throws, and start practicing in outdoor environments as your puppy gets better and better at retrieving