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I am trying to teach my dog (Winston) the "Hold it" command but the problem is that when I try to get him to do it he just wants to chew the dumbell! Is there something I can do, or it this just something that will gradually disappear with more sessions?

Thanks

P.S. he also has gotten in the bad habit of grabbing the dumbell from the end and not the middle any advice there?

-My Diamond

>>I am trying to teach my dog (Winston) the "Hold it" command but the problem is that when I try to get him to do it he just wants to chew the dumbell! Is there something I can do, or it this just something that will gradually disappear with more sessions?
>>
>>Thanks
>>
>>P.S. he also has gotten in the bad habit of grabbing the dumbell from the end and not the middle any advice there?
>>
>>-My Diamond

>>>>>

Hold the dumbbell only by the bar so your scent will be only there, and will attract him to hold it there. For the Hold,have him in a Sit as you support his chin holding the dumbbell once or twice a day in a calm, upbeat session, starting at a few seconds and building up to one minute.

As you take your hand away and he holds it well, move on to having him stand up and walk--you will need to assist him again at first with your supporting hand under his chin. Then have him walk with you.

You can find simple instructions for a play retrieve with gentle structure at the link below my signature. There are probably at least 50 ways to teach a retrieve. I hope you will not resort to an e-collar or other force method. It is not necessary and may add complications you could not even imagine.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

Oh that is good advice about holding the dumbell from the middle! that makes so much sense. Thanks a lot!! D

Winston is retrieving really really well. And last night just wanted to carry his dumbbell around in his mouth (he looks soo cute!) Horray!