Gun Dog Forum

This may seem wierd, but my 9 month old setter is a compulsive retriever. When I am not able to throw anything for him, he will roll a ball down the hill in our yard whoa himself for about 30 seconds then fetch it back where he started. He will do this for hours at a time.

This all started when I began whoaing him prior to retrieve and releasing him to get the dummy. This all came quite naturally to him, but I am worried that he will soon enough get completely bored with retrieving and stop doing it all together.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Jay

I don't think he'll get bored with retrieving, my GSP is the same way he retrieves like crazy & when I am not throwing stuff for him he brings stuff to me to throw even when I am sitting on the couch watching tv. I think just make sure it is positive & that he is always praised for retrieving for you & he will continue to do it to earn your praise.

hahaha my setter does this too. They are just playing. Let him play.

Mine rolls the ball down the hill then runs around as fast as she can and lets the ball fall out her mouth. She then tries to stop as fast as she can and retrieve it. Then she does it all over.

retrieving
my gsp does it from the edge of the couch.
we bought a chuck it at the local petco ,to save on our arms.
my gsp sleeps with a ball in her mouth
ward