Retrieve foundations: more than chasing an object

Separate the components

Describe the part that needs work: waiting, going out, collecting, returning or releasing. Teaching a manageable component provides clearer feedback than repeatedly testing a complete exercise that fails.

Use suitable settings

Start away from traffic, livestock and uncontrolled dogs. Ask an instructor to advise on safe objects and the dog’s physical readiness before adding distance, obstacles or water.

Connect to the intended activity

A pet game, obedience retrieve and gundog trial exercise have different requirements. Consult the relevant sport’s rules before deciding what finished performance should look like.

Define the delivery

Ask the sport instructor what counts as the intended return and release for your activity. For informal play, a comfortable exchange can be the goal; a formal assessment may specify more. Avoid switching the desired finish from session to session and then treating the dog’s uncertainty as refusal.

Sources & further reading

References for this guide. Rules and services can change; check the responsible organisation for current details.

• Dogs Australia — Retrieving trials for gundogs (opens in a new tab)

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