Need some tips for training Retriever/Poodle Pup

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

Hi all,

I just started working with a Golden Retriever/Poodle mix puppy, Bella, who turned 5 months old today. I am letting her out mid-afternoon while her owner works, socializing her, and training her to be a therapy dog. She's already done puppy kindergarten and is pretty calm for a puppy (just goofy and silly ). My question is, I've never worked with a retrieving/sporting breed before and am thinking I have a lot to learn and adjust with how I train. We agreed to use her regular food as treats and that didn't hold her attention long (I don't think it was the food I think it was the fact it was food rather than something more interesting?). Obviously I don't expect even 10 minute training sessions (I really incorporate training in with play--sit before I throw the toy--rather than doing sessions), but I feel like I need something of value to her to get any results. She also doesn't have many toys right now for whatever reason (Bella has been staying with the owner's parents who own Bella's littermate, so they may've left the toys with the other pup), so I've suggested a few to the owner (retrieving toys like balls and carrying toys like stuffies).

What's the most effective way to work with Retrievers and smart breeds like Poodles? Am I right thinking a toy of value will probably be more effective? What kinds of toys do Retrievers seem to especially like?

Also, she clearly loves water (SO excited to see a puddle. lol) and I was wondering if there's a way to incorporate that as a reward?

ANY tips would be wonderful! I haven't had a puppy in 8 years and never a retrieving breed so this is all new to me (except the therapy training ). If there are some books that would help I'll happily read those, too!

[c0_re]

Sounds like your on teh right track, all I can say is keep them short. 10 minutes or less and end on a good note, all things you probably already know. :-)

Do you have any pictures?

[keekers]

my golden LOVES her squeaky toys. goes crazy over them! anything that squeaks.

[StephanieandTeddy]

I'm walking a Goldendoodle this afternoon...I've walked her for a year and she is really clever and so eager to please...You might find that this doodle is the easiest dog you've ever dealt with!

[TinyAlbinoDancer]

C0_re, I keep forgetting my camera! I'll make a note to bring it tomorrow. She's got wirey, crazy hair so I don't think she's the cutest thing ever, but maybe that's just me. Would've been cuter if she was pure Golden or Poodle IMO! Her coat's not real nice right now due to allergies or something (which the owner is looking into), too.

Keekers, I'll note that. I'm making an order from Jefferspet this week and will buy her a 6 pack of squeaky balls. I told her owner she could let me know if she wanted to buy anything from there and I'd add it to my order as well. It's hard not just buying all these toys for the dog but I'm trying to think how I'd feel if other people bought all the things my dog needed and I didn't have any say in the matter (disappointed!). I think her owner is tight financially on "extras" due to how much she paid for Bella, so maybe buying a few toys wouldn't hurt. Does your Golden like stuffed toys?

StephanieandTeddy, so far she has been pretty easy but she's more independent than she is eager to please and she's really just goofy. My Greyhound and Chi mix are easier so far. :-) Alot of it may just be puppyhood, though, so we'll see as she grows up. Her owner told me before she brought her home that Bella was the more independent of the littermates, giving the example that if it was you and a leaf blowing by Bella would go for the leaf. lol Makes life interesting.

Thanks for the replies! Please keep them coming!

[Ritz459]

When Sadie was a puppy she LOVED balls; tennis balls, squeeky balls, rope balls....they were her favorite.

She also adored rope toys and plush toys, but she would shred them in a matter of five minutes, so she rarely ever received one.

Sadie was extreamly food motivated. I've never known a Retriever to NOT be food motivated. LOL If the kibble isn't holding Bella's attention, and you are scared of using treats as they are highly fattening, could you use Cheerios? They are "people food" so they seem to hold the dog's attention, they are small and are easy to eat, and don't pack on the calories either.

If Bella is motivated by water, is there anyway you could set up a kiddy pool and after she does something wonderful you let her splash around in it for a while?

If she is more of an active dog, like Sadie was, a wonderful reward for her was just running around like an idiot. If she walked on the leash nicely for however many steps, we'd run around like an idiot for however many steps. When she went to the bathroom outside and not in the house, a crazy came of tag outside was a wonderful reinforcer.

Often times with Retrievers, as well as any breed, using a variety of reinforcers with alot of life rewards, keeps their happy attitude up and their minds focused.

As you've said, a great way to teach the training is to incorperate it in with play. Whenever Sadie would want to play fetch, or tug, it would become a training session. She wants me to throw the ball? She better sit, down, stay, shake, whatever first. This turns what would be very boring, repetive obedience into something fun.