Summer 2019 Retrieve Course: Lesson 6: Increasing distance to 18", add 'The Turn'

Lesson 6: After the 12" EXAM it's time to extend distances to 18+" retrieves. If your dog is launching well at 18" distance, Day 3 of this week, add the turn to the retrieve.

Once your dog has passed the 12" Retrieve EXAM, it is time to extend the retrieve distances. Always warm-up your dog at a distance you KNOW your dog will easily succeed at doing, for example a retrieve @ 6". Your handling mechanics at this point in the training need to be smooth, fluid, and FAST..less than 5 seconds.

IF your dog is not at this point taking responsibility to launch at warp speed and follow through with its mouth on its db, here is the fix. Fix this now as this becomes really tough to fix in a few weeks.

So both Sultan and Red are displaying avoidance behaviors with their refusal to put their mouth on db. Subtle rebellion and refusal to do what we have invested weeks to patiently teach.

Here is what I want you to do, Robert. Backwash to 6" retrieves. This is a fast fix, but not easy. Tammy, if Sultan is doing the same thing with you, then you follow the below sequence also. If he is launching and putting his mouth on db for you, stay at 18". Easier to fix this now than later.

1) Do 1 6" retrieve and be prepared if he bumps or does ANYTHING but put his mouth on db immediately to give a memorable EC. Make it count. Do NOT verbally praise if you have to EC, nor do the Conditioned Relaxation. Got it? Immediately set him up for # 2 below. Don't dink around.

2) Do another 6" retrieve exactly the same. If he does the same bump or ANYTHING except launch like a rocket and put his mouth immediately on db, give another memorable EC. Repeat as above. Got it?

3) Repeat at 6" until Sultan complies completely by launching immediately and following through with mouth on db. Then praise and Conditioned Relaxation. Got it?

4) End by doing 1 more 6" retrieve and Lord willing, there will be no need for an EC.

Questions?

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As the distance of the retrieve is increased, your ability to effectively hold onto the dogs ear CAN change so being able to 'get that DB in front of your dogs face immediately' is the key to success. Here is the sequencing.

KEEP YOUR DOGS JAW CAGED NO MATTER WHAT

Days 1-3 Increase the distance of your dogs retrieves from 12" to 18" until you have gone as far away from your body as you can and still be ready to do an EC safely. Your dog should recognize the 'collar high and snug', give the DB 'the look', and be launching on command at warp speed. Boaz is more than 'ready'

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The Turn

Class,

Measure off 18+" on whatever elevated surface you are working your dog on. ALWAYS start your training session with whatever retrieve distance your dog CAN succeed at easily. Do a few warmup retrieves at the distance your dog easily succeeds at, then do the next lesson (distance).

*Reminder* If your dog isn't able to work well @ 6-12" in the face of HIGH levels of distractions (like in these videos), your dog isn't ready to do 18+" retrieves.

DISTRACTIONS ARE YOUR TRAINING FRIEND so work your dog against HIGH distractions at a shorter retrieve length BEFORE moving to 18+" retrieves.

Notice who is in the background?

The Turn

If your dog isn't able to do 18" retrieves against HIGH levels of distractions, DO NOT ADD THE TURN. The Turn CAN BE added ONLY if your dog is retrieving well @ 12-18" against HIGH levels of distractions. Do your first attempted turns on your Training Table as THIS IS VERY hard to do on the ground when you've never done it before. If you aren't confident of your handling, DO NOT ATTEMPT the turn at this point in your dogs training. We will teach it again once your dog has learned the "Hold" so there is no hurry to do the Turn.