Golden Retriever Forum:
Retrieving newspaper

How do you teach a dog to retrieve the newspaper? I take my 5 month old outside everytime I go for the newspaper, but when I try to put it in his mouth, he shows no interest in carrying it? Any suggestions?

I've taught my golden to go out with me (on leash) pick up the newspaper (usually in bushes....the people aren't very nice...) and then carry it back to the house and drop it by the door or on a bench. Here's a suggestion of how you might get him to carry it...I don't know how well it will work for your dog Practice "get it" with toys when playing fetch...that is a good start Take a walk with him holding a toy. Do you use a clicker? If so it seems simpler to explain...and easier for the dog to understand... When playing fetch with toys, have about 3 differnt toys and the newspaper (wrapped up like when it comes) and throw a toy...when he brings it back and drops it throw another. After you have been throwing toys for a while, throw the newspaper...praise him even for just going and sniffing it....! And see if he gets it... Don't try putting it in his mouth though! That doesn't teach him anything and makes him Not Want to carry it in the future because of it being put in his mouth... GoldenPup