Question about retrieving

[Anthony8858]

I'm at a point with Kira, where I can throw her toy to be retrieved. She'll "go get it" on command, and drop it at my feet for a treat.

I can do this about 5-10 times, before she gets bored, and takes the "retrieved toy" to some place other than me, and flops down and plays with it by herself.
At that point, it's obvious that she no longer wants to participate in the retrieval exercise. However, I don't know what MY reaction to that, should be.

Do I just stop the exercise at that point, and just quit the game, and walk away?
Do I leave her with her toy?
...Or do I go get the toy, remove the toy, then quit?

OR do I pursue the retrieve game, and quit when I'm ready to quit?

[BlackPuppy]

My reaction would be, as long as it's a game, I would let her be. Now, if you are training a retrieve for obedience, that's when you want to make sure you are in control. But, in that case, you wouldn't be doing it 10 times in a row. When training, you always want to quit with the dog wanting more.

[Anthony8858]

Originally Posted by BlackPuppy

My reaction would be, as long as it's a game, I would let her be. Now, if you are training a retrieve for obedience, that's when you want to make sure you are in control. But, in that case, you wouldn't be doing it 10 times in a row. When training, you always want to quit with the dog wanting more.

That's what I wanted to know. Thanks.

The retrieving "game' would be an ideal way for me to give her exercise, when i can't go for a long walk. As much as it is a game, it's a valuable tool for me to use as a way to expel her energy.
The last thing I want, is for her to be in control.

Can you elaborate some more on why training wouldn't be 10x in a row?

She's just barely 4 months, and in obedience class, so I'm sure that retrieving will be addressed at some time.

I'm just curious how it wold be different.

[Kingsj]

I would add to that just a note. Even if it is just a game, I would recommend stopping while the dog is still interested. This is how you build drive, especially with young dogs. if you go until the dog gets bored you also lose he dog's attention and that will come back to bite you later in training.

[Anthony8858]

Originally Posted by Kingsj

I would add to that just a note. Even if it is just a game, I would recommend stopping while the dog is still interested. This is how you build drive, especially with young dogs. if you go until the dog gets bored you also lose he dog's attention and that will come back to bite you later in training.

Yes, thank you. I see.

[jocoyn]

I asked another abuot stress on joints from retrieving but I have always stopped the game with the dogs wanting another throw....usually they come back, drop it and are bouncing on the front feet ready to go out again.

My dad once said he was going to wear out my little female when she was young. After 2 hours he came in and said he gave up. His arm was hurting.

[robk]

Frustration builds drive. Quit while the dog is still engaged. The next time you play she will want it more!