Problem with live quarry

My nine-month-old cocker caught a live pigeon in our garden and wouldn’t let us near her. It was alive and flapping, but she refused to drop it. We tried all sorts of high-value treats and toys, but she would much rather have the pigeon. How can we get her to give it to us if it happens again?

This is where food rewards — or in this case, bribes — have a flaw. For most working dogs, the value of a food treat will never be higher than live game. It is in their genetics to want to work game, so although many are food-orientated, it will never feature higher in their priorities.

First, prevention is always better than cure. So, for now, start to train her to retrieve. Use a ball, toy or even small dummy and teach her how good it is to play the retrieving game with you. If necessary, go to a gundog trainer to help with this.

If it happens again in the meantime, don’t panic or chase. As she holds the bird in her mouth, verbally praise her. If she thinks she is doing wrong, she will never come anywhere near you. Try to gauge what she is doing. If she is looking to simply carry it around, then walk around and encourage her to follow you. Don’t attempt to take it from her.

If you think she is looking to kill or chew it, then calmly walk towards her and keep walking. Do not stop moving confidently towards her. This way, she cannot stop to sit down and chew it as she is always moving. It might take a few minutes, but they will always at some point realise they have to let you approach them. If she will allow you near enough, calmly put a slip lead over her neck and walk her. Fuss her around her face and neck while she holds the bird.

If she thinks you are going to immediately take things of value away from her, then she won’t come anywhere near.

Calmly take it from her using a hand either side. Put one finger gently inside her mouth and put a little pressure on her tongue. As she releases, use a command, such as ‘give’. As soon as she has given it, offer a high-value treat or toy and play with her. ES

Using a ball to play a retrieving game is one way to teach a dog how good it is to interact with you