Playing the Egg Game
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"Release" is the easiest command to teach. Steady the animal's head with one hand and, while giving the command "release," gently move your other hand toward the dog's mouth to receive the object. If the dog is reluctant to let go, sternly say the dog's name and repeat the command "release" while forcibly removing the object from the dog's mouth. Even if you have to take the object, give the dog praise so it'll know that "release" is the expected behavior. Then repeat the process until the dog lets go of the item on its own.
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Most dogs can learn these commands in only a few sessions. It's often best to limit a day's training to a single command and wait till the next day to start on a new one. Naturally some dogs do learn faster than others; a few of my "students" have become proficient eggers within a couple of days, while others have taken longer (two weeks was the longest). Just don't rush your pet; be patient. Remember, this is a game.
When your dog can carefully pick up an object and give it to you, you can start teaching it to retrieve eggs. Round up some plastic foam cups, and wait for a time when the dog isn't tired or hungry so you'll get its full attention. Ready? Place a plastic foam cup on the lawn, step away from it, and direct the dog's attention to the cup by pointing at it. Then give two commands: "Pick it up . . . easy."
When the dog picks up the cup, call the animal to you and give the command "release" while you gently remove the cup from the dog's mouth. Lavishly praise the dog, even if the cup is punctured. Lots of praise will quickly instill positive behavior. Repeat the process until the dog is comfortable with the procedure—this might take only a few minutes, or several sessions.
Once your dog is successfully retrieving cups that are in plain view, start putting them in easy hiding places—under hedges or shrubs, in sheltered areas or in the shadows, anyplace a free-range chicken might choose to lay an egg. Make a big game of it by walking your dog around the yard and giving lots of praise (and perhaps a treat) every time it finds and retrieves a cup.
When your dog is consistently picking up the cups and giving them to you, and if the cups are only slightly punctured, your pet's ready to retrieve real eggs. Put the eggs in plain sight first, and when the dog retrieves those, start hiding them in easy-to-find places. Again, make a game of it, and give your dog lots of praise and encouragement every time it finds an egg.
Eventually, your pet will play "find the egg" all on its, without commands from you. It'll search for, pick up and deliver eggs to you as long as you give it lots of love and praise (which, of dog to do any task).
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