Won't retrieve real duck......

[Muzner]

So, I have been working regularly with my lab (2yr in Nov) and he is amazing at retrieving anything but a real duck. Sticks, balls, bumpers and his favourite Dokken. I thawed a duck I had frozen from last year and tried throwing it for him...no interest. I took him out for Doves..threw a dove for him...no interest. Any tips that might get him bringing back a dead bird?

Thanks in advance, Mark

[fishhawk]

Does the dog show any interest in live birds? Maybe put out a live pigeon with its wings clipped for him to play around with and hopefully bring out his prey drive.

[krakadawn]

Mark
This is so typical. Your dog has been allowed to pick up just about everything other than what you really want him to. Your issue goes back to his puppy time and how you introduced birds to him....or did you?
Get some birds in better shape and see if you can get some interest in them. Cold , thawed birds are fine for dogs when they are used to them, not to give him so irregular.
I'll also bet your dog was not force fetched other wise he would pick up and hold birds. This is probably the most important step that has been missed.
Put away all the toys until this has been addressed.

[Bluebulldog]

^^^^^^

This right here.

Too many folks allow the pup to retrieve all manner of things, other than what they're intended to do.

Give fetch a rest for a little while, ( I mean NOTHING). Then start out zap strapping a wing to a bumper.....and praise the heck out of them when they bring it back.

[jaycee]

Mark
This is so typical. Your dog has been allowed to pick up just about everything other than what you really want him to. Your issue goes back to his puppy time and how you introduced birds to him....or did you?
Get some birds in better shape and see if you can get some interest in them. Cold , thawed birds are fine for dogs when they are used to them, not to give him so irregular.
I'll also bet your dog was not force fetched other wise he would pick up and hold birds. This is probably the most important step that has been missed.
Put away all the toys until this has been addressed.

Absolutely great advise!

[Kurtis1234]

When I had this issue I used a carcass that I had. I put a wooden block inside the duck and sewed it up. I also had a long string attached to it.

My dog would be interested in it but not pick it up. So when her nose was near it I would slowly drag it towards me and trick her I to thinking she brought it. Praise like crazy and eventually she started bringing them in no problem.

That is what worked for me, but there are a lot of ways to address it.

Good luck

[yellow dog]

Does the dog show any interest in live birds? Maybe put out a live pigeon with its wings clipped for him to play around with and hopefully bring out his prey drive.

Great advice !

[vom Dufenshmirtz]

Try live game
Warm game
Cold game
Game in a stocking
Feathers and fur on the favorite dummy

[dilly]

force fetch training.

[Muzner]

Thanks everyone for the great advice. This is my second dog..my first, I was very adamant about following all the "rules" of training a great retriever however never needed to implement force fetching with him....he just learned it. I am going to try some of the above suggested ideas and hopefully with a few "fresh" ducks this weekend, I will get some positive results.