Getting Pup to Retrieve

[bamajama]

Advice for a new lab owner: My 10-week old puppy doesn't seem interested in retrieving. I'm using a standard retrieving dummy and/or tennis ball during playtime. (Most of our playtime has been inside, because it's been below zero for nearly a month). Should I be worried or is there something I'm doing wrong?

I'm using a "puppy-size" canvas dummy. Sometimes she'll chase it down, but not pick it up. Other times she'll pick it up and run away. Today, she just didn't care to go after the dummy at all. And, sometimes she'll pick it up and return it just fine. I'm trying to make retrieving a fun part of playtime to give her the exercise she needs. Perhaps I should just relax and lay off until the weather gets warmer.

[Tagen]

Not all pups at this age are into retrieving. For some, the retrieving desire doesn't kick in till later. S/he is still quite young and eaisly distracted at this age

How far are you throwing the ball/bumper? Did your pup ever show an interest in retrieving or has s/he been disinterested in the game from the start? Perhaps explaining exactly what your pup does when you throw the ball will give us a better idea of how we can help. Does the puppy go out for it and then refuse to pick it up? Does he go out for it, pick it up and then refuse to return to you? Your does your pup simply show interest at all to go after the ball/bumper and stays by you?

[duckbnot]

Still real young. Make play your focus and the retrieving will come as a natural progression.

[imported_Belles mom]

How big is the bumper? Canvas or plastic? They do make real small puppy sized bumpers that may be easier for the pup to play with. How about a bird wing?

[Tucker.]

I had a bunch of posts like this when Tucker was a puppy. I wouldn't really be concerned with retrieving drive until somewhere around 6 months. I know Tucker had no desire to retrieve when he was a pup, but once he hit 6-7 months he became an animal.

[imported_2Labpups]

Awe, you are at the PADD stage, puppy attention deficit disorder. ;D They have such a short attention span at this age. How far are you throwing? Maybe shorten the distance with a couple of fun retrieves and of course making a BIG BIG deal out of it then put up the small toy/dummy/bumper. Always keep them wanting more ;D

As others have said, don't sweat it, Gidget didn't wake up the drive till she was 6 months. Now I have to hide bumpers and tennis balls, she's a fiend. I will finish her Senior Title next month and run our first Master test in March.

BTW, We all DEMAND puppy pictures! ;D

[bamajama]

Thanks for all the great advice. I feel much better now!

[Tatyana]

Yep, what others said. They have hard time focusing on something for too long at that age. Just keep throwing short distances and where the puppy can easily see the bumper. They do get better with age.

[imported_queenofthedogs]

good advice from everyone!

one thing to remember--their eyes have only been opened a few weeks, & focus may not be good yet, especially looking directly forward....put your retrieving TOYS [cause that's what they should be to pup, toys] on a string, so you can make them wiggle around. this will add excitement as well as help pup see them.
make your [short, and few!] tosses to one side or the other, not straight out into the 'blind spot' and above all, work on the idea that everything you do together is just The Bestest Thing To Do, always.
a fun game, to give them exercise, is to swing around a dust mop & let them chase it--potty yourself first, you may laugh too much!

[duckbnot]

a fun game, to give them exercise, is to swing around a dust mop & let them chase it--potty yourself first, you may laugh too much!

Ya sure, then have fun cleaning the house as they get older! LoL