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How can I stop my gundog from dropping the dummy? (And other dummy training problems.)

How do I stop my gun dog spitting her dummy out, I have tried placing it in her mouth while saying 'hold'?

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6 month old Cocker pup, Rusty, retrieving a dummy
Time Well Spent
Time Well Spent October 31, 2019

Other gundog training tips when using a dummy

  • Keep whatever you use to start with on the small side so that it is easy to pick up and carry.
  • You can buy good canvas puppy dummies in the shape of a small disc or parcel from most good gunshops.
  • My personal preference is for those sold that are shaped like a real bird. They are soft – which encourages a soft mouth – and they are easy to throw. They also bounce and therefore leave a scent trail.
  • Tennis balls make brilliant dummies and especially if they are covered in a bit of rabbit skin.
  • Make retrieving lessons as much fun as possible and have several different types of dummy available.
  • Remember not to give too many retrieves in a session because it’s easy to overdo things and bore the dog.

 

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