Guide dog puppies must play a more controlled version of fetch than their pet dog counterparts. First, Alfie has to sit nicely. Then I throw the toy and he must wait until it completely stops moving. Finally, I ask him to "watch me" and only then can he, on my command, "fetch"!
I know, I know, it sounds like we puppy raisers are a bunch of control freaks! But really, by playing the game in this way, he learns to focus on me while at the same time strengthening his self-control. Not only that, he gets a lot of exercise...not bad for a game of fetch!
I read somewhere once that the innate desire to retrieve was a good indicator of a puppy's future success as a guide dog. While I'm not sure of the accuracy of that statement, I certainly hope that in Alfie's case it holds true! What do you think?
I think that after that, I need a drink.
4 comments:
I think, Alfie sure looks cute and happy with that big rubber stick!!
GDB doesn't allow any kind of retrieving activity with their pups in training. So Cabana got a late start with the concept. Now that she's career changed, I can get her to retrieve a tennis ball maybe 3-4 times, but after that, she loses interest and makes ME retrieve it!
Yes, it sure does doesn't it? lol that's okay I'm sure we'll all get used to it, good job Alfie!! I do the same with my PIT and my other 4
LOL, we must be on the same wavelength today with our posts! If the innate desire to retrieve indicates future success, then Ruby has it in the bag! ;)
WOW - what a good little retriever you are!
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