Discs, balls and retrieving
Retrieving looks easy until it becomes a trial. The dog has to find the object, pick it up, bring it straight back and put it in your hand, with no dropping, chewing or leaving it behind on the way.
About the discipline
A retrieve looks easy until it's judged. Then the criteria kick in: how the dog picks the object up, whether it takes the straight line, whether it holds it cleanly and whether it hands it over on command.
You'll find retrieving in nearly every utility discipline (obedience, IGP, working trials), and there are dedicated trials too, mostly in the retriever world.
A dog that brings the ball back and a dog that does a proper retrieve are worlds apart. The second one doesn't chew and doesn't wander off line. It doesn't play on the way back, and it doesn't let go until you ask.
How it works in practice
Frequently asked questions
Work the hold on its own, using objects it has no urge to chew, and reward only the moments when it holds still. Chewing usually comes from impatience; most of the time the dog knows perfectly well what you want.
Teach a swap: the object for something it likes more. Never yank it out of its mouth. Pulling turns the hand-over into a fight between you.
Because some materials feel nasty in the mouth, metal most of all. A dog that brings back a wooden article cleanly may refuse a metal one, so you work them one at a time.
Don't pull on the object. That turns the hand-over into a game of tug, the exact opposite of what you're after. Offer something better instead, and the moment the mouth opens, mark and reward. After a few dozen reps the swap happens by itself and you can put the cue on it.
From the same category
A team relay over hurdles, with a ball to fetch.
The dog drives big balls towards a goal.
The dog pushes a big ball towards a target, under control.
Your dog runs off a dock and jumps into water after a toy.
This page is informational. We work in mantrailing, search and rescue and preparation for the TSAC and BH exams - but if you want an honest opinion on what would suit your dog, write to us anytime.