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Location: Shadowland, Australia
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,358
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OK, formal retrieve.
What we want in a formal retrieve is for the dog to sit at heel; to wait while the article is thrown; to go out on command; to pick up the article; return to the handler; sit squarely in fron of the handler while holding the article; to surrender the article on command; to return round the handler to heel position on command.
The article used for formal retrieve is the dumbbell. This can be made of wood or plastic. It must be the correct size for the dog.
Most problems are encountered in teaching the 'hold' (it is important that, on return, the dog holds the dumbbell until commanded to'give'). The exercise is therefore taught by "backchaining" - we start with what we want the dog to do at the end of the exercise. If your dog will take the dumbell voluntarily this is a big advantage. If not you will have to teach him. It is easier if you work sitting down with the dog sitting in front of you. Gently open his mouth and place the bar of the dumbell inside with the command 'hold' Gently close his mouth over the dumbbell with your thumb on the top of the muzzle and fingers under his chin. Praise "good hold". Release his muzzle with the command 'give' Praise "good give" & reward.
This step must be repeated several times a day over several days. ALWAYS be gentle, do not stress your dog. The hold can be reinforced at mealtimes. Get your dog to hold the dumbbell for a second prior to putting his bowl down.
Initially you will be doing the hold for microseconds. Later, once your dog knows the command you can lengthen the time between 'hold' and 'give' Work up, in 5 second increments, to having him 'hold' for 30 seconds.
The next step is to place the dumbbell on the floor and encourage the dog to pick it up. Gradually increase the distance that he has to go to get it.
If you have trained the hold with your dog sitting in front you the return & present should not be a problem. If it is, draw him in front by, lead, signal, or running backwards. Reminding him all the time to 'hold'. Signal, or tell, him to sit, again reminding him to hold. Reach down with hands either side of the dumbbell and command 'give'. The dog should then release the article. Give him a lovely treat and heaps of praise.
The 'wait' prior to sending the dog out should not be introduced too quickly. Even if this is a "formal" exercise it must still be fun for your dog (having said that, the 'wait' often serves to increase excitement about the retrieve). This part of the exercise can be started once the retrieve is reliable. Have your dog in heel position. Put a thumb in his collar & tell him to 'wait'. Throw the dumbbell. Tell your dog "good wait" and reward. Give the 'fetch' command - and remember to get your thumb out of the collar!
Guess you all know the return to heel so won't bother with that.
Always give the 'fetch' command in an enthusiastic voice. I have found it best not to allow my dogs to play with the dumbbell. It is a "work" tool for them. Other people have more success if their dogs are allowed to regard it as a toy. It seems to depend on the individual dog.
That is about as brief as I can make it. Hope I've covered it all. (But bet I'll think of something I've missed as soon as I log off)