Youngster keeps dropping dummy

[Kuler]

I now have my first working dog, a 6mth old Cocker.
We have bonded very well and the training was coming on a treat. However, recently he's been retrieving the dummy, bringing it straight to me, but in his excitement is jumping up and basically spitting it into my hands, rather than holding it.
For the past few days I've been working on this problem using a tennis ball, though he still seems reluctant to hold it longer than a couple of seconds. Today I thought I'd take the gamble and went out with him for a spot of basic training, putting the tennis ball in some long grass for him to find. The result - he jumped up, spat the ball out and that was that. When I tried getting him to hold it he did everything he could to resist, so I then put the lead on and called it a day.
I'd be grateful for any suggestions on how I can improve things - for me as well as him.

Thanks
Kuler

[Rascal]

Somehow you've given him the wrong message and in his anticipation of getting back to you for a fuss he's dropping it I suspect, this thread might help you.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=5680

Rascal

[Michelleo]

Don't forget that he is probably still teething and may be reluctant due to a sore mouth. Try different items for him to hold such as a small toy, a long sock rolled up or even an old tea cloth knotted up. All my spaniels had days when they were young of not wanting to hold on to things but I didn't make too much of it and they all came right with a couple of weeks.

[Naj]

It sounds like you have created a problem while trying to stop something that I wouldn't have thought was much of a problem. Some handlers actively encourage their dogs to jump up & give them the dummy. Providing the dog 'spat' the ball into my hand I wouldn't bother with it holding it. When you get onto retrieving game &/or when the dog is being given retrieves in cover after a bit of tiring hunting I think you will find that it will naturally adjust its delivery. In the meantime, if it spits it out & you miss then just walk backwards & insist he brings it to hand. And if you go down the road of physically putting something in his mouth his reaction will be to spit it back out. In which case you must, gently, persevere until he holds the ball. Otherwise, if you pack in the minute he spits it out again, you are simply training him that he can spit it out if he wishes.

Naj

[Judy]

I wouldn't worry either (3 times in one day, going for the record) as Naj said the dog will adjust delivery himself. My three Cockers have all been a bit too enthusiastic to either keep the retrieve or hand it over depending on the value of the item. I wish someone had had a camera on Friday, I had left my game carrier in my bag and when I came out of the wood I had both hands full of birds and two Cockers at heel, one carrying a hen pheasant and the other a partridge, they both obligingly gave them to the game cart man.
You should be grateful yours jumps up, at the end of a long day picking up I often wish mine would save me bending over yet again.

[Kuler]

Thanks to all for some really helpful comments.

I think Rascal has actually hit the nail on the head. My lad is always excited when he brings the dummy to me and looking back, I probably said "dead" too early - for fear that he might drop it !

Thanks again - and the link looks like it could be very helpful.

Kuler

[Rascal]

Is there anything as Michelleo suggested that he will hang on to? Give it a rest for a few days and try to be calm in your praise and time it better so he understands what he's actually being rewarded for.

As Naj suggested walking backwards might help as he's bringing it to you...And I know it goes against the grain but a few games of light tug with a sock or similar might not go amiss but again once he's released it on command you praise him calmly so he understands the praise is for putting the item into your hand and doesn't get too excited.

Rascal

[Kuler]

Thanks once more. The advice and suggestions given by all is really appreciated.

Kuler