Training Struggle

[dmanzman]

Now that I have my 6 month old lab absolutely crazy about retrieving his bumpers from just about anywhere, I am having the hardest time getting him to STAY when i throw a mark, he just gets too excited and takes off after I toss er' out.  I was wondering what some of you guys do to get your lab pup, or any pup for that matter wait and stay in his place position for your "back" command without taking away your dogs drive and desire to retrieve for you?  thank you in advance!!

[follow maggie]

I used a leash on her. Throw the dummy, release the leash with th ftch command, or whatever command you use to go get th bird & bring it back.

[flinger]

Return to basics Sit,Stay ,Come, less play more control commands,use the bumpers inside in a long hallway until you gain control of your pups excitement  / do not forget he/she is only 6 mons.

[ghosthunter]

I am not a pro trainer.

I have a 10 month old, my son has a 8  month old. This is what I did.

First spend 5 minutes every day on obedience.  Walk pup on lead , stop ,sit, stay.
Make a ten or 12 ft lead out of light cord. Tell him to stay walk out in front of him the length of the cord. Always go back to him. I would not call him to you until he is steady all the time.

Before you throw a bumper give him the stay command . I like to. Stand on the cord with about 3 ft of slack. If he breaks do not give him the retrieve . Go out pick it up and try again.

Do not be hard on him he is young.

End every session on a happy note after training something new either with happy bumpers or his favorite toy.

Do not give a command that you cannot enforce. Check cords are your friend.
Ten minute Retriever book may be of help.

I have only trained two labs in my life. Others on here may not agree. But I have got good results doing this.

Good luck.

[Happy Gilmore]

a rope will fix his ability to break. At 6 months, I'd make him sit/stay for all of about 5 seconds.

[Don Fischer]

On my setter's, I use a cc and stand on it while I throw a dead frozen bird. Then don't send them or say anything at all until they are settled down and standing still.

[WRL]

Don't mix up your messages. Don't throw happy or fun bumpers for him where he can break but then require him to sit when you are working him.

Go back to basics. No excitement. Get a good SIT (SIT/STAY) in places where its not exciting....ie in front of you in the living room while you are watching tv, before you feed him, walking down the driveway or going for a walk etc.

Then as he is successful, up the excitement level little by little. You want to see lots of success without a bunch of corrections.

Be black and white.....either the dog is sitting and staying or he isn't.....scooting even a few inches is NOT sitting and staying.

WRL

[ducksdogsdownriggers]

a rope will fix his ability to break. At 6 months, I'd make him sit/stay for all of about 5 seconds.

"back" is a command.  Your dog's name is a release.  Using "back" for both marks and blinds can lead to confusion in your dog. 

[ghosthunter]

I use a release word to let my dog know when it is just fun time. It is always after training.

[Don Fischer]

I use a release word to let my dog know when it is just fun time. It is always after training.

I would not do that. Whatever you allow, you teach. Training time is great but during fun time the commands must still be followed. Don't differentiate between the two.

[david0]

I started making my puppy sit and stay while I would feed him. I also made him sit and stay for everything we did. Going in/out doors, the truck the kennel.