Breakthrough

I discovered today that the key to getting a good retrieve is to offer no praise to Bandit until after the dummy has been delivered! I had gotten in the habit of praising him on his way to the dummy, then when he picks it up, then on his way back. He probably figured that he had done a good job and ready to go on his merry way.

After about 5-6 repetitions today where I didn't say anything during the retrieve (except "come" if he wanted to play with the dummy) he was delievering right to hand and wagging his tail at me waiting for praise. Sometimes it's something so simple...

I'd still like it if he wouldn't play with the dummy at all before returning with it, but we'll work on that.