How To Fix Problems With The "Fetch" or "Bring" Command.

 Hello Adam: I have a chocolate Labrador Retriever (very active)
that is being trained (in OPEN class now) and he seems to be
regressing since we are working on retrieving.

He retrieves very well with the dumbbell, etc., but other dogs
in the class do not. And they bring toys for their retrieval
work.

My problem is that my dog is just "overcome" with these toys and
isn't paying close attention to me. He goes after THEIR toy many
times instead of HIS dumbbell.

He knows the command "look" or WATCH ME" but serious corrections
don't even deter his disobedience on this toy-retrieval. HELP!
How should I handle this?

Thank you! Mary

Dear Mary:

These are the type of questions that I like. They’re
interesting. First, make absolute 100% sure that your dog DOES
understand the “Bring” or “Fetch” command.

Assuming that he does, here’s the next step: Recognize that the
problem you’re having is one of disrespect. The reason that your
dog goes for his neighbor’s toy AFTER you’ve clearly commanded
him to BRING his dumbbell is that he CARES LESS about what you
want. As the dog goes into ‘play/prey’ drive, his sensitivity to
your corrections goes WAY DOWN. In other words, you’re giving
him a $2 ticket and he needs a $200 ticket.

Here’s the easiest way to communicate to your dog (with this
exercise) that you are serious:

Buy a remote electronic training collar. I recommend Innotek or
Dogtra.

Here’s how to use it to fix your dog problem:

Follow the directions on matching the e-collar (remote
electronic training collar) to your dog’s temperament.

Next, place a dumbbell on the opposite side of the room—straight
in front of the dog-- and also place a distraction toy… off to
the right.

Send the dog to retrieve the dumbbell. Let him wear a long line,
also. As he starts to veer to the right to go after the toy,
say, “No!” in a loud, forceful tone and then immediately
stimulate him with the e-collar. Re-issue the “Bring” or “Fetch”
command and use the long line to redirect him back on course, as
he may be confused. When the dog starts to go toward the
dumbbell again, immediately begin loud verbal praise, “Good dog,
Good dog.”

There you go. Now just repeat this same exercise by altering the
training location and the type of distractions. After a few
times you’ll be able to eliminate the long line. And after a few
set-ups, the problem will be fixed. To read more of my dog
training ramblings, read about my book (click below):
http://tinyurl.com/4efaq