A blondes attempt at training a Cocker

[Aimeetess]

Due to my 6 month Cocker being in/out of the vets over the last few months we have been doing bits and drabs of training when we can but considering how long he’s had off, pleased with how he’s going overall. Have to add in the future he will be a pure picking up dog to run alongside the lab, if this goes to plan.

His stop whistle has come along nicely, sit/stay is good and recall nice. Thanks to this groups advice we started ‘back’ a few weeks ago as thought he was ready for something else.

A few problems we do have is delivery to hand, I always have to walk backwards and he’ll repeatedly drop it until he realises he has to hold it and then I’ll stroke him and he’ll put it in my hand so eventually he ‘gets’ it but it takes a few moments. If we are using the rabbit skin dummy hes different, won't drop it whatsoever and brings it right to the hand.

He also (on the way back from a retrieve) has started to run towards me, then go to my side by a foot or so and lie down and get all playful, so I’ll walk backwards, he usually brings it on. If hes being more naughty and that doesn’t work I’ll say ‘Here!’ in a stern voice which works, not sure if he’s possessive or just playful. He looks as if to say ‘chase me’ which I have never done.

Any advice on improving those would be great.

With back training we have now have got to the stage we only really do blind retrieves but still using hedge lines, paths for straightness etc.
I started using a tennis ball a few months ago instead of dummies, to train steadiness when they roll around as this he found so difficult, hes now steady to balls. He was also happier to hold it longer but I think I have caused a problem...

I sent him for a blind retrieve in a woodland track today, fair play he ran an absolute lovely line but he ran past the dummy looking for his ball.
I called him back towards me, stopped him on the whistle and got him searching for it (first time I’ve stopped him on a retrieve) he found it but wasn’t keen on picking it up, eventually he bought it back but was very effortless. This is just an puppy ½ pound dummy which he used to be OBSESSED with. I don't want him loosing faith in me and start to think nothing is there when i send him back. Afterwards I did put the dummy on a light coloured track and sent him back (blind again) but a shorter distance and he picked it up nicely.
I never over used any dummy and only do a couple of retrieves a day, but I think he now realizes he prefers a ball to a dummy so isn't as 'keen'

I’m sure your all be able to point me in the right direction.. I thought the blondes attempt would be ideal subject as work colleagues refer to me at that most days! I'll add to this instead of making a new thread every time, i'm sure my username everywhere is starting to drive people mad!

[ips]

Ha, I love the title

[newf]

Have him trail a 6 to 10 foot light line. When he veers off or decides to lay down, first step on the line and then gently pull him into you with no fanfare. However, when he does come in, on his own accord, praise him profusely.

To get the keenness back with the plain dummy, put the ball up for awhile and only use the dummy. Now when you take him out for a retrieve, I suggest, you go backward in order to go ahead. Tease him with the dummy and work his excitement up then throw it low and skidding across the ground. I would allow a break and worry about steadiness after you have got him on the go again.

[Aimeetess]

I did think of the long line, you say light line.. Is a horse lunge line ok to use? I'd have to put a collar on him or tie it around his neck. I'm pretty sure if he feels a line on him he'll come straight back but worth the test!

Funnily enough this morning I was just throwing the dummy, running it along the floor etc and he got really excited and keen! Will keep going see how we get on!

[ips]

I have used a thin webbing training line (by halti I think) its about 3 or 4 metres long it trails behind without getting snagged very often even through cover . If needs be I just stand on it and at the same time I blow a stop as I cant see the point in effectively stopping her without reinforcing the stop command.

[newf]

I did think of the long line, you say light line.. Is a horse lunge line ok to use? I'd have to put a collar on him or tie it around his neck. I'm pretty sure if he feels a line on him he'll come straight back but worth the test!

Funnily enough this morning I was just throwing the dummy, running it along the floor etc and he got really excited and keen! Will keep going see how we get on!

The line is used as a guide to funnel the pup into you so no need for it to be stout since its purpose is not to punish. Find a soft rope of around the size you would use for a whistle lanyard. I think the line needs to be as insignicant to the pup as possible but enough to demonstrate there is only one behavior that continues the play that you both enjoy. I would not remove the line until the pup reliably comes straight back. Once removed, any fall back in behavior will mean stop retrieving and attach the line to emphasize your persistence, but also that you're still reliably fun cause the game continues.

Don't nag the pup but let the line do the work quietly. Take the retrieve and immediately toss again so you tie delivery with another chase. The closer the two behaviors are together the better, especially when you negate deviations.

[Aimeetess]

Ok thank you, I have some thin line so will try that. I think he may find the line funner than retrieving the dummy though..

He use to ALWAYS bring it straight back, its in the last 3 weeks hes started to go off and will wait until I deepen my tone, then bring it back. He never comes straight to me now, so will try the line as starting to get worried. If i use a fur dummy, rabbit etc. He'll always put it into my hand, its odd but think its his naughty side coming out now hes 6 months!

[romanriver]

forget steadiness, forget blinds and stop whistle, get him keen on retrieving first, then make him hunt for the retrieve

[Miesque]

Ok thank you, I have some thin line so will try that. I think he may find the line funner than retrieving the dummy though..

He use to ALWAYS bring it straight back, its in the last 3 weeks hes started to go off and will wait until I deepen my tone, then bring it back. He never comes straight to me now, so will try the line as starting to get worried. If i use a fur dummy, rabbit etc. He'll always put it into my hand, its odd but think its his naughty side coming out now hes 6 months!

He's six months old, he needs fun not discipline - you risk making him dislike retrieving if he perceives it as something he'll get told off during

[Springfield Pointers]

Lighten up a bit with the dog. He's a pup. First and foremost this is supposed to be fun - for you and the dog. Put the effort into enjoyment and not into regimented discipline right now.