25. Things To Remember When
Teaching Picking Up
The Dumbbell From The Ground

Sit on the floor or the ground with your dog and be comfortable. Attempt the exercise first as a playful game. Keep your dog on leash. Give a single command.

Follow the command with one tug on the leash, slip the dumbbell into the dog's mouth, then pat her. Each time you use the leash, snap it a little harder.

Whether you use the leash or whether the dog picks the dumb­bell up by herself, give praise.

Try baiting! Scuff the dumbbell between your dog's paws. Draw it away in a teasing manner. Kick it with your foot.  Roll the dumbbell away from the dog. Toss it playfully at her feet.

Tap the dog's paws with one end of the dumbbell to arouse her interest.

Encourage her to take the dumbbell from the floor while she is lying down. Encourage her to "Take it!" from a low bench or table.

Train often, but not for long periods at a time.
If snapping the leash doesn't get results, try tightening the collar by using a steady pull.

When it is hot, or if your dog is excited and panting, postpone the dumbbell work until a cooler time of day, or until the dog has quieted down.

Use an assortment of articles for this exercise, not just the dumbbell.

When you have succeeded in getting your dog to pick up the dumbbell and other objects on a single command, either as the result of play or from systematic training, your dog is ready for Picking Up The Dumbbell

On Command While Walking.

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