[etowns54]

My almost 2 year old yellow lab has been very lazy when it comes to fetching the bumpers. I'm worried that she might have lost some of her drive that she had last year during training and hunting season. Anyone have any advice as to how to bring her drive back? I've considered getting some live chuckers with the wings tied to chase around to bring her drive back. Any advice is appreciated, has anyone else dealt with this? Could it be just the heat and being in the AC during the day?

 

[RyanR]

I wouldn't worry too much, bumpers can get very boring very quickly for a dog. Mix in using some dead chukars (or live ones) or even some dokkens.

 

[twistedoak]

afraid you'll have to give up hunting bumpers .
could try taking up new game .try grouse , pheasants or ducks

 

[jimbridger]

Could it be just the heat and being in the AC during the day?

If I were a betting man

I would put my money on the old grey mare. Waugh!

 

[Goosehunter]

This lack of drive going to the bumper happens to some dogs. The reasons why can be many but from what I've read here are some things to try.
Take a week off with no bumpers, add plenty of exercise during this time.
Then when bringing back the bumpers do it sparingly, maybe only 3 tosses and put the bumper away.
After a couple weeks, if the desire is still low, add your live birds.

The following is just what I've read and is not necessarily what happened to you. "Usually lack of drive to the bumper is caused by some form of Operator Error."

 

[Vonfoust]

My older lab went through this a few years ago. My kids would throw a tennis ball endlessly for him. He got bored. I didn't use a bumper or let them throw the ball for him for a few months. He now goes after it with his old energy, but no more tennis ball and I limit the bumper to less than ten each day.
I have found by leaving him wanting more he does not get bored. Just my experience with my dog.