Gun Dog Forum

My 3-yr old GSP does not bring the dummy to my feet; instead, he gets the launched dummy out of the brush into an opening, drops it, and sits.

Furthermore, he will not “come” even if I leave the launcher somewhere and stand a few feet from him. He waits for me to pick up the dummy.

(Launcher is DT Systems, 22 caliper). I launch at a distance of 10-30 yards from him. He sits watching intently and starts running toward where I am aiming when he sees me pull the plunger back and before it fires. Although he will “wait” when I throw the dummy, he will not “wait” when I launch the dummy.

My theories:
 Maybe I trained him by mistake to have this special behaviour with the launcher (in other words, he believes he is doing exactly what I asked) (At 1-2 years he would get the launched dummy but sit and chew it.)
 Maybe this behaviour is his genetics at work (instinctive, difficult to change).


This behaviour is strange for my GSP because:
 He retrieves the dummy to my feet if I throw the dummy.
 He does not retrieve to my feet if I pretend to use the launcher (place the dummy on the launcher, pull the plunger, but do not fire, and instead then throw the dummy)
 He retrieves to my feet if I do everything above except I do not pull the plunger. (He is very good at detecting the faint sound of from pulling the plunger.)
 He always comes when I say “come”; but not when he has retrieved a launched dummy.


My strategy to help him to fully retrieve a launched dummy:
 Continue to practice throwing the dummy for a full retrieve.
 Then pretend to use the launcher but instead throw.
 Somehow gradually shift to firing launcher for a full retrieve

What does he do on a retrieve in the house in a hallway?
Start there and build with correct results. Use a leash if needed and reward.
Watch Dr Dale Hubbard youtube videos. It worked with my 8week old llewellin and works for the dr with older age dogs.
Good luck!