Are Labs really Retrievers?

[Labradorks]

I had a lab that was a terrible retriever, unless it was a stuffy to carry in his mouth when he was excited.

Sam is more about picking things up for me with the occasional retrieve, especially if it's in the water.

Linus is more into it, but I keep it fresh because of his field training. He gets to retrieve a special ball when we do obedience training and I need to work on his enthusiasm, and that is the only time he gets that ball. He will swim for a bumper or stick all day, and he is really into bumpers when we use the remote toss things (forget the name) during field training. And birds, of course. He loves them.

I, personally, am glad mine aren't completely obsessed with balls or retrieving. Many dogs who are crazy about retrieving 24/7 are displaying behavior issues more so than the willingness to work. Border collies and similar breeds, even goldens and some Labs, are more about the obsessive compulsiveness of retrieving -- repetitive, exaggerated, or sustained behavior -- more-so than the motions of actually retrieving.

[Maxx&Emma]

Maxx and Emma are both retrieving machines. Maxx loves it on land and especially in water. Emma is strictly a land retriever. I have to launch 2 of everything when we are outside, Emma is quick and Maxx will just body slam her.

[Moby and Barley's Mom]

I am trying to train my 3 month old lab to retrieve the ball. He likes to do it for about 15-20 minutes then he is off to something else. If I do not make it super fun for him and act "really really excited," then he is not all that interested. Our older lab never really cared all that much about fetching the ball - but I want the little one to have this form of exercise in addition to walking which I can do once he has had all his shots (and is leash trained...) Training him to give up the ball is something else entirely; however!!

[colding]

What a cutie with his ball between his legs!

[monsterpup]

Gunner is totally ball obsessed once he gets going, but he has to be "in the mood" unless there's water around, in which case I think he would retrieve until he sunk. My brother's lab couldn't care less about fetching.

[Georgie]

LOL I just did a rough tally from responses and it's equal numbers, 50:50.


Thanks everyone -there are some great responses and excellent suggestions. I spend much time with owners of dogs that are "ball obsessed" and very into the repetitive nature of the task, working and herding type dogs. Some of the owners roll their eyes and say "labs are lazy" when they see my dog not interested in continuing to fetch a ball a million times. I know my lab is not lazy and actually has excellent retrieve ability together with some very clever abilities...hey, we lab owners know why they are the most used dog for a wide range of public services.

I liked a response Labradorks wrote in another thread on training/playing....stop the training/playing BEFORE your dog gets bored or disinterested. I know this with all my other training etc.. but with throwing the ball I always seemed to continue it longer than necessary in the backyard....I seem to be trying to squeeze out extra exercise for my lab. Again, another problem is that I forget my dog is just over 2 years and so is no longer a puppy needing to expend excess energy!!

From today I'm going to really shake up this part of play, the fetching....she retrieves very well but the interest level in doing the same, boring repetitive move is not her thing (and probably not good for healthy joints). I have varied the play a little, eg. She loves to retrieve a frisbee and then tug...I just need to stop my obsession with her being interested in something that is essentially boring. LOL


Question, for those who suggested pheasant wings etc, I don't have access to these but are they like chicken wings with meat or just feathers?? How do you then distinguish between retrieving something to eat or not eat? Or I suppose I just use the scent, eg, rub some chicken meat on the item to retrieve and then hide it for retrieval.


Any suggestions? I suppose cheese scent may be more easily managed and hygienic with the same effect.

[dxboon]

Question, for those who suggested pheasant wings etc, I don't have access to these but are they like chicken wings with meat or just feathers?? How do you then distinguish between retrieving something to eat or not eat? Or I suppose I just use the scent, eg, rub some chicken meat on the item to retrieve and then hide it for retrieval.

Any suggestions? I suppose cheese scent may be more easily managed and hygienic with the same effect.

The wings are the feathers from gamebirds: Game Bird Wings Variety Pack. $10.99.

The idea is not to make the bumper or dummy something the dog wants to eat -- chewing/eating of the bumpers is generally not something to be encouraged. The wings add smell, texture, and extra interest to the bumper. These attributes can increase the dog's drive to retrieve the item. The idea is to reward with praise or treat when the dog returns the item to you. Here are various bumpers/dummies to give you an idea of what is available: Retriever Training Dummiesog Bumpers (100+) Dummy|Bumper Specials

[Georgie]

Thanks Dxboon!! I know my dog would love these things....dog hunting is not big here but I'm sure there will be a store with these things, it's given me lots of ideas.

LOL. The only times when I wish to live on acreage with lots of ponds and streams is when I think how much my lab would love it and we would be able to do all these types of retrieving!

[dxboon]

LOL. The only times when I wish to live on acreage with lots of ponds and streams is when I think how much my lab would love it and we would be able to do all these types of retrieving!

You can practice almost anywhere. I work my dogs on a long line in the public park some mornings before it gets busy. Nobody bats an eye anymore when they see me hauling around a bag with bumpers or a dead pigeon from my freezer. Acreage is nice, and folks who have it are lucky, but it's not mandatory for training. I live in the suburbs, so have to make due with training in various different areas. My friend took these photos of my youngest. I love the way his eyes light up when it is time to work!

[Georgie]

Love those photos Dxboon!!

LOL, yes I understand the dog park situation....when my dog was a puppy I sometimes carried a raw chicken neck in a plastic bag for a training exercise!!! Other times I am teaching moves and training using whatever is available, eg, sporting or recreational equipment as props. I think most people ignore me now.