Formal Retrieve with sighthound?

Has any one trained a sight hound to do a formal retrieve?

The club I attend with Toffee have just started this & I do not like the method they use. Which is, if the dog does not take the dumbell then it's mouth is opened - the dumbell is put in - mouth closed - dumbell taken out - treat given.

Well they may have got away with this with a Lab but I cannot see it working with Toffee.

I have started to use Jean Donaldson method, it started off well but he lost interest very quickly.

He will retrieve a ball so long as I have a second one. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

I havent any suggestions but was amazed to see a lurcher competing in a gundog scurry once at a game fair. It knew all the whistle commands and hand signals and retrieved the dummies beautifully to hand. So, I guess it can be done!

Have you done any clicker trainig?It may take a while but it makes them keen retrievers

That method would be pretty standard but my dogs don't like me touching the underneath of their jaw either.

I would use a clicker as Rookgeordiegirl has said. I assume you are trying to train the 'hold' element of the retrieve? If so, at first click when the dog holds at all, then very slowly increase the length of time that you will click. If the dog chomps or lets go, don't click. If the dog surprises you with how good it gets it, massive play

I would click and treat,for first acknowledgingthe dumbell,thentouching,then any attempt to pick up.Excite the dog with the dumbell first get your click in fast as soon as you get the desired action then treat just put the dumbell by your feet, you will be able to build on that

I did this with my Irish Wolfhound, used the clicker method and progressed gradually. At first she had absolutely no interest for the dumbbell, which I can imagine is normalt for sighthounds. Then she got better and better .
I wouldn't use the "force" method either, to be honest I think with a sighthound it will only take you backwards!

Thanks J SS. I feel the same re "force" method.

Wow Wozzy I would love to see them in training.

Thanks nickm m , I'm using this method. Have decided Toffee is with me to teach me LOTS of patience.

There have been lots of sighthounds Obedience and some in Working Trials and they have to retrieve!

The breed is immaterial.

I am sure if you search this site you will find my step by step guide on how to teach a retrieve.