
Building Retrieving Confidence
Natural retrieving desire can vary a great deal between individual dogs. With a timid or soft dog our enthusiasm for our dog to pick up and retrieve a downed bird can be the very thing that deters the retrieve. Next time your dog goes to pick up a bird instead of looking at your dog and advancing to shorten the retrieve try doing the opposite. While watching with your peripheral vision turn and walk away using a calm soft voice to coax your dog to follow. Since its a non challenging behavior and your dog typically does not want to leave the game behind they will often pick up the game and head your way. Delivery may still be in question, however, just allowing the dog to feel comfortable carrying the game is important to advance her/his manner of retrieve. Give it a try and feel free to contact us if you have any questions!
Photos by:
@adamdavidphotography_
@ajbaudoux