RC 2018 Lesson 4: The retrieve @ 6" + EC videos

Class,

This is the HARDEST lesson in my opinion. At the end of this Lesson 4 your dog should believe you that "Fetch" at 6" means exactly that.

Do start the dog from a proper Tuck Sit.
"Collar high and snug"
"Fold Back"
"Thumb in ear (no pressure)"
"Fetch", then EC pressure ensues until the dogs mouth is on the dowel. Praise and seek to relax the dog.

IF your dog had to go into a Stand to get the dowel, that is fine, but seek to do an EF (Exercise Finish) and get them into a Sit so they are in Social Drive before you command, "Give" and set up for the next retrieve.

Particularly for this all important lesson, remember the following:

"Less done well is far, FAR better than more done poorly."

You must succeed with your dog at 6" and it is easier on you and your dog if you do the pressure as needed early in the week. Done correctly, the dog quickly learns that 'you said what you meant and meant what you said.' Then, by the end of the week with increasingly tough distractions, the dog BELIEVES you and moves forward. THAT is EXACTLY what you want to happen this week.

Daily Goals: Work for 10 contention free (no EC or ecollar pressure required) responses. The 10 contention free responses need not be in consecutive order. Add distractions by Day 4. ALWAYS start each session by backwashing and doing a 1" retrieve first to remind dog of what you are doing.


Day 1:

Day 2




Day 3



Day 4