A “4” Retrieve

At a recent test I watched as several handlers struggled with their dog’s delivery of game. Most dogs performed the tracking and retrieving part of the test nicely but things went south when it came to the delivery.

Avoiding a training glitch is far better than correcting one. I’m sure many of you have said, “On my next dog I will do it differently”...thus avoiding a handler created disobedience issue.

I have learned to break down my training to avoid negative issues. What is involved in a “4” retrieve? Go out, pick up, return quickly and present the game, eye contact and release. Sounds simple enough, but when one of those segments breaks down, it takes time and patience to fix!

Breaking Down the Retrieve

Recall

Place the dog on a place board and teach stay or whoa. Staying on the board is rewarded with food. After a few sessions your dog will be jumping on the board waiting for a treat. Dog can now be left on one placeboard and called to the next. Where you stand at the second placeboard will determine your dog’s delivery. If you stand beside it, he will finish on your side. (See photo #1, Blaine with Alli.) If you stand behind it, he will finish to your front. (See photo #2, Blaine with Raven.) Repeat exercise till your dog stays on board and waits to be called to the next board for the food reward.

Eye contact

The best way I’ve found to take a delivery from my dog is with eye contact, whether you have your dog finish to your side or in front. So how do you teach eye contact? It is easiest taught if you’ve already trained your dog with rewards. I prefer food in training young dogs as that is what has driven them in their first few months of life. Sit them on a placeboard and wait for the eye contact. Mark the behavior with your voice or clicker. I prefer my voice as it is always with me. I use a quick “good dog” to mark the behavior. Watch for the slightest glance in your direction, “good dog” and reward. You are helping him understand what you want. I hold my hands in front of me, posture, to encourage an upward glance. “Good dog” and treat. Repeat and repeat again. (See photo #3, Jason with Ember, 4 months...notice the eye contact.)

Delivery of the game

Place the object in the dog’s mouth, command “stay” and walk to the second place board. Posture, wait for eye contact and call your dog. The ultimate goal here is for your dog to sit on the second place board and present you the game with eye contact. Reward and praise!!!!

By breaking down the retrieve your dog will understand what you want his performance to look like and will perform with confidence.

Good luck,

Patti Carter
MerryMeeting Kennel, Maine

Handler with DK demonstrates the side finish.

Photo #1 – Side Finish

Handler with DK demonstrates the front finish.

Photo #2 – Front Finish

Handler with DK demonstrates eye contact.

Photo #3 – Eye Contact