I have a 12 week old Black Lab pup who up until two weeks ago would retrieve every time the dummy was thrown. In the last two weeks he has seemed to lose interest in it, he will do it but only for a retrieve or two and then seems to lose any interest in doing it. This has been in the form of games so far with no discipline. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get him reengaged with this again? He is doing very well with his basic commands on the leash, should I back off on having him retrieve during training sessions and keep it as a reward for after the sessions? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

It might be because he is losing his puppy teeth.

Thanks Bill. I never considered that. Like I said he still does it just not as often as when he was younger.

I only throw pups that young one or two bumpers at a time. He could be losing interest with too many reps.

Read the book water dog. He says when dogs do this take them out and throw live birds and not let them retrieve they will eventually get so worked up all they will want to do is retrieve

Stop throwing so many retrieves and let him be a puppy. He is 12 weeks old. Much more important to socialize, embolden and build confidence in your pup at this point.

If you must throw a mark. Get him jazzed and throw one. Praise the heck out of the little fella and put the bumper away.

Thanks for the advice y"all. He's hoi g better now, just needed a break and less marks in a session.