Having Abit Of Trouble

[skycat 6,174]

Rabbit is high value, ball is low value. Big difference between round hard ball and lovely soft squishy furry rabbit. A lot depends on the breed, type and mindset of the pup, but in general I would say that large type, and especially male lurcher pups should be kept away from rabbits until they are more mentally mature. Everything is play at the moment, and rightly so, for dogs learn through playing, but you don't want him to learn that rabbits are play things. Try gentle tug games, with rules (see the articles I put on here on the home page). Use an old stuffed sock and put in place the commands you want to use. Pup will bring back the dummy or sock for more games: this is important so the pup doesn't see the retrieve as the end of the fun.

 

There is a section on training pups near the end of the article.

 

Link to tug articles: http://www.thehuntinglife.com/the-value-of-tug-games-with-puppies/

[jeemes 5,112]

I dont want to hijack this thread but I just wonder how many people on here would actually consider moving a dog on because for one reason or another it will not retrieve,even though it can run like smoke and catch well.

[MickyB 327]

I dont want to hijack this thread but I just wonder how many people on here would actually consider moving a dog on because for one reason or another it will not retrieve,even though it can run like smoke and catch well.

The way I see it if the dog dont retrieve after proper training its probably more intelligent than its owner, if a dog is passed on because of that I hope they don't get another dog as the same will probably happen again with the new one, I'm sure there are exceptional circumstances but in general if you put the time and effort in you both should be rewarded.

Edited August 6, 2015 by MickyB