Training Advice On My Pup

[Kieran90 0]

Just looking for a bit of advice really. I've gt a 5 month old lurcher and I've got him taught on the basics like sit stay he comes to me when I call him literally won't leave my side. But won't thing I can't quite gt him doing is retrieving or fetch as it is he couldn't give 2 shits about chasing a tennis ball or what ever I try it with he's more bothered about wht I'm doing he's my first lurcher so any advice will be appreciated. I've thought about getting him a dummy rabbit

[Kemperz21 65]

I'm quite new to pup training mine was simalar up to 6months just gave him a few toys once he picked his fav I used that for the training he likes it you throw it he picks it up because it's his and he wants it then he should bring back to you if he is around you all the time he will want to come bk to you if he won't bring bk to you once you have him chasing and picking up try it in an alley way so he had to go past you then take it off him with plenty of praise and treat or click if clicker training that's what I would do if that doesn't work I'm sure some of the more experienced chaps on this site would help atb

[TOM HEAVY 140]

mine was pretty much the same, got him at 5 month old, wasn't interested in balls, but was interested in small fury stuff, teddy's etc. a rabbit skin dummy would be a good idea. Anyway if you play tug of war with the item, (teddy or whatever) make your dog really want it then try throwing it a short distance, even if its only a few yards, if he chases and picks it up, call your dog back, always encourage your dog, even if it jus chases and picks it up that is still progress. I found that treat training was the most effective method, he would and still does do anything for a treat. Train little and often, a few mins a couple of times a day is more than enough.

 

You could also try attaching a dummy, to a lead or a stick and string and swing it round encouraging a chase, your dog should be interested in a fast moving target, especially if its a little bit furry, and you have played tug of war with it before hand. Training is all about progressive steps your dog will strive on success and he will be able to sense your enthusiasm when he does something good. To progress your dogs retrieving further you can start putting small jumps into the equation (1ft) or jus try and get him to jump small obstacles for now, then when your dog is used to it and retrieving is more consistent, after a few weeks try a jump retrieve. As I said, consistent, progressive steps, little and often are the key!!

 

hope this helps

 

ATB with your dog

 

Tom Heavy

 

PS I have a lurcher training dvd which someone passed on to me which really helped. I can pass it on to you, if you PM me your address??? just a thought

[DeerhoundLurcherMan 997]

Get a old teddy/fluffy toy and play tug with him for a bit but make the teddy as exiting and as life like as you can, then throw it. See when he picks it up where he takes it. He might bring it straight back, if he does he wants another game of tug, which you should play straight away!! If he goes to his bed or crate ect you know where to position yourself next time you throw it....When he learns that he gets that predator stimulation that he will crave playing tug with you he will want to bring it straight back every time...

 

It's worked brilliant for me so far, even an old plastic bottle just now! Just don't force it and don't over do it...

 

Good luck!