Making a rod for own back

[Nonehpets]

@swess that makes so little sense - why introduce a new control into the scenario - ie the lead. You describe having the dog at heel on the lead and then you say to "call the dog up" - why teach the dog to position itself in front of you on the lead?

The OP already was advised to change the timing of the treat - this is an easy fix and then once the dog is delivering retrieves reliably and proofed again distractions the treats are gradually withdrawn/replaced with praise.

@shropshirelad - do remember she is still only a pup and make what you do with her fun; make yourself exciting so she wants to be with you. If her recall is solid - ie she comes right to you everytime then her retrieves should build on that. If she dances around when you recall her then work on that too. Maybe do a little bit of backtracking at home by getting on the floor and playing with her toys, letting her show them off to you before you take them from her so she knows it is not all abut you 'stealing' her possessions. Don't withdraw those high value treats too quickly or suddenly, start interspersing them with some lower value treats (kibble if you dry feed - nice thing about this is you can increase the value by adding more) so she gambles on getting a high value treat.

Cathy

[shropshirelad]

Thanks for all the advice. I did do some research before trying the 'treats' and I do sometimes use kibble as well. She has never been interested in toys, I did buy her one when she was 4 months old but she didn't want anything to do with it, far more interested in large stones/small rocks. We will get there in the end, it aint a race, it will take as long as it takes..

[Nonehpets]

Ahh ... I have a rock collector too! I try to make sure those do get delivered into my hand since they hurt when they land on my toes

Cathy

[rhosyn]

A dog can't laugh and hold onto a dummy at the same time...

Unless its a cocker --------------

LOL!!!

[shropshirelad]

I continued with the treats for only a few days, making good progress. Then some very good friends said why not try playing 'retrieving games' with cones, balls,sticks etc (not a dummy) and make it fun for her to run after things and gently coax her back to me. Well it worked. A week of this and now she will retrieve 100%, no circling or being possessive. Just need to improve her delivery, but such an improvement in a short space of time...