Because dogs are drawn more to articles of nature than to manufactured items, start by placing six twigs (bark chips work equally well) in a four-foot-by-four-foot area. Wear scaled, rubber, kitchen gloves when handling the articles to avoid scenting any, and position them so none touches another. Put one of the objects inside your shirt to scent the item thoroughly, and go leash up your pet.

When the two of you arrive at the training site, heel to a point ten feet from the nearest article. After giving your dog the command, "Stay," withdraw one of the scented objects from your shirt. Capture attention by flipping the item in the air a few times. Pass it once under pooch's nose, remind "Stay," and walk to the unscented articles. Place the scented article peripherally near the others such that you can be sure of its location. Return to your dog, briefly put your hand near his nose, then command, "Find It," while gesturing encouragingly toward the articles. Repeated "Find Its" and gestures to get your dog moving are permissible.

As your companion approaches the objects, follow slightly behind. You need to be nearby, but not so close as to distract. When nearing such curious things, almost any dog lowers his head to examine them. (The dog who shows scant interest should be encouraged via voice and gesture to do so; he shouldn't be forced.) As he inspects the items, softly praise, "Good."

Should he try to pick up any article other than the correct one, gently intone, "No, No," while guiding him from it. When your retriever eventually sniffs the right one - regardless whether he reacts to it - instantly respond excitedly, "Good Find It - Bring!"

Pet your companion, telling him what a Good Find It he did, and walk him from the training area, allowing him to carry his prize if he wishes. End the session at this point to guarantee finishing high, which would be at risk were the routine repeated. When you do Out the article, use only minimal force in taking it should your dog fail to release when commanded. Don't chance dampening enthusiasm through compulsion.

After three training sessions like the foregoing, switch to placing the scented object among the others prior to bringing your pet to the area. A week later, change to using ring articles by substituting them for whatever items you've been using. Should you meet any resistance to the formal articles, inserting them inside individual, cloth gloves can make the objects more canine-acceptable.

Too Much Stress Can Cause A Dog To Bite

Even the gentlest, most loving dog can be induced to bite. Dogs' teeth are important tools, and every dog is aware of their potential use as offensive or defensive weapons.

Every dog has a bite threshold (a point beyond which, if pushed, he will bite). Some dogs' bite thresholds are low; some are high. Aggression is caused by stress. Each thing that causes a dog stress is a small building block toward that dog's bite threshold. The lower a particular dog's bite threshold is and the more things that cause that dog stress, the more likely he is to bite.

The four common dog stressors are: small children under age 4; thunder; men with beards; and moderate to severe pain.

The longer a dog's list of stressors, the more likely he is to eventually bite someone. This is why early and ongoing socialization is critically important. It may be the best thing you can do to ensure that your pet lives a long and happy life.