Retrieving problem beginning to develop

Collioure

My springer pup is 3 months old , I bought her from a highly respected breeder that breeds hard working dogs, the breeder did warn me that these dogs are bred for hard cover and a very head strong.

I bring her out 3 times a day and maybe give her 1 retrieve each day, from the day I brought her home the retrieves were perfect….she’s getting a bit confident know and she thinks the dummy is hers.

I have done the running in the apposite direction which works put as she gets within 3 feet of you she’ll turn sharply and will scamper off with it…..I will not run after her.


She doesn’t show that much interest in food treats, I’m not going to make a big deal out of it just think it through and try and get the dog in the frame of mind to please me…not give me the two fingers…as well she doesn’t really care if she gets praised or not….she is in no way a sensitive dog…she could be a very good dog I just have to be v careful in her training…personally I would prefer to train a more sensitive dog that required reassurance…this dog no reassurance required will throw herself into anything

Any advice

On another note, she has started to hunt this week as I bring her on her daily walks…..I walk her on stubble and she has started to flush the starlings…..she is staying within range…..so that’s working well with little or no guidance

EPointer=Birdss

Reinforce the recall.
I have seen numerous problems on this site that in my humble opinion are because the recall he weak. If you say "here" or pip your whistle she should be at your toes. If not it is not strong enough. This is the basic command for all other commands.

If she's conciously not coming to you & running away she is making the decision to as she knows she can get away with it.
This drives me demented & I hate a dog that does there own thing! :mad: But they all do at some stage my friend so don't be disheartened.
I am training a springer now after the pointer & he is a pleasure by comparision! You will always have a battle of wits with a strong minded dog! Most will realise after awhile that it pays to work with you than against. The odd few are free spirits!

I would go back to the recall because if it's a rabbit or a pheasant she's on you will be an unwelcome distraction that will get ignored if the recall is not engrained in her head! If a dummy does it, live game will be 100 times worse!

I don't like physical punishment when training dogs but at times I feel it is necessary for their own safety if treats, rewards & positive reinforcement have failed. I have had to resort to it at times but if you don't get it at the point of the problem you are wasting your time! If you can't control the dog at any given time it could end in disaster so any disobediance to a command has to be rectified/corrected every time. If not you will confuse them no end.

irish setter

you say you wont run after your pup, why not? if you are to correct her in time you have to get after her and let her know she is not allowed disobey. two biggest rules in training a dog are 1 never give a command if you cant enforce it and 2 never let a pup know it can outrun you