In this class we will work through all the steps and fine details required to develop a precise and reliable competition-level dumbbell/scent article/glove retrieve.
We will use shaping, rather than play, as the basis for this skill. Shaping the retrieve allows us to alter and improve tiny aspects of the behavior in a controlled and systematic manner.
Each week in class we will introduce and strengthen a variety of behaviors that will lead to a fabulous and consistent retrieve. Students will work through a weekly task list and engage in problem solving at each stage in the process. Even if you have a retrieve, going back and working through these tasks will fill in any holes in your foundation and make your retrieve much better.
Special attention will be paid to helping our dogs develop a strong positive emotional response to the dumbbell and the act of retrieving. We don’t just want them to do it; we want them to LOVE doing it!
Teaching Approach
The class material consists of short lectures and specific retrieve related exercises. Material is provided in both written and video form. Students will work through materials at their own pace and get individualized feedback on their progress. New material will be released on an average of twice a week, depending on the general progress of the class.
Most of these exercises can be completed in very small spaces and with minimal handler and dog movement. As we get to the end of the material more movement from both will be helpful, but everything can be adapted to the team.
Exercise 5: Pressure on the hold / pulling on the ro
Exercise 6: Duration & challenging duration
Lecture 4: Chaining
Exercise 7: Verbal release
Goal 4: Hold object while moving
Lecture 5: Walking & chewing gum
Exercise 8: Look up while holding / reach
Exercise 9: Walk & hold
Exercise 10: Hold while changing positions
Goal 5: Pick up object
Exercise 11: Elevator game
Exercise 12: Knees & feet
Exercise 13: On top of, under, and inside other objects
Goal 6: Distance
Lecture 6: Juggling criteria
Exercise 14: Placing the ro
Exercise 15: Tossing the ro
Exercise 16: Hiding the ro
Goal 7: Formality
Lecture 7: The formal picture
Exercise 17: Adding the front
Exercise 18: Adding the jump
Lecture 8: Adding reasonable challenges
Lecture 9: Troubleshooting
Prerequisites & Supplies
Retrieve object of appropriate size for the dog (doesn't need to be a competition dumbell). Please note that you may want to begin with an object such as a large wooden or plastic spoon. It's typically better to practice on non-ring objects first.
Food motivated dog as this method focuses solely on the use of food as a primary reinforcer.
Lots of small treats that are easy for your dog to swallow.
Experience with shaping (both dog and trainer).
Sample Lecture
Shaping the Competition Retrieve Progress Checklist
+CER to the retrieve object (ro)
Approach the ro
Nose touch the ro
Teeth touch the ro
Open mouth close to the ro
Open mouth over the ro
Open mouth fully over the ro
Close mouth over the ro
Hold ro in mouth for ½ second
Duration on holding the ro in mouth
Chin rest without ro
Muzzle wrap without ro
Combine chin rest with steps 7, 8, 9, & 10
Combine muzzle wrap with step 10
Add pressure to the hold
Add a specific verbal release to the hold
Move head while holding ro
Walk while holding ro
Change body positions while holding ro
Take ro from high and low positions
Take ro from knees/feet
Take ro from over/under/inside other objects
Pick up placed ro
Pick up tossed ro
Find and pick up hidden ro
Add distance to 23, 24, & 25
Add front position (drop other criteria, then raise/add it again)
Add jump (drop other criteria, then raise/add it again)
Add reasonable challenges
Generalize to new locations
Sample exercise 6:
Exercise 6: Duration & challenging duration
Basic duration:
Duration with cookie 1:
Duration with cookie 2:
Testimonials
A sampling of what prior students have said about this course ...
Fabulous checklist breaking down each step to reach the goal of an enthusiastic retrieve! Deb's feedback was awesome: well thought out and pin-pointed how to resolve each challenge as it came up. In 6 weeks, my 12 month old went from no idea what a dumbbell is to, now, eagerly finding it (even when not training) and wanting to bring it back. -Robin G
We have been struggling with the retrieve for over a year. Deb's class got us 'unstuck' and we made great progress. I am thrilled with how excited my dog is to play this game now. Thank you!
Great course, great lectures and great videos. Very clear steps to achieving a really solid retrieve for the competition ring. Highly recommended. Pia
My expectations were highly exceeded by Shaping the Competition Retrieve! I never thought that my dogs Retrieve would have come so far, but I now have a beautiful dumbbell throw retrieve. To be honest, I tried a modified force fetch once with my boy. I could almost taste the resentment dripping off him. Never again I said! I'm SO HAPPY to have found this class! Deb and Judy were just amazing. Thank you. Amanda B. & Robbie
Well thought out course with adaptions as necessary for individual dogs - great to update my knowledge - looking forward to working with my dog on the retrieve.
Deb and Judy, this was a great class. The lectures really helped me to work up to achieving a Competition retrieve. My dogs were able to retrieve a dumbbell before we took the class but now it is a much more solid retrieve and a more joyous one. The steps you showed us were clear and cumulative. If my dumbbell lands in a box in the trial ring they'll still fetch it for me!! Thank you so much for offering the class. See you in Coperative care in February.
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