VERSATILE GOLDEN RETRIEVER                    PART 20  

“Cross” Training – Open Obedience – Intro and Retrieve on the Flat

One important concept to keep in mind when training a versatile golden is that DOGS ARE SITUATIONAL.  The fact that a dog can retrieve does not mean he “automatically” understands the particular elements required for each retrieve presented to him.  If the dog needs to jump a log that sits in the direct line of a retrieve in the field, or if he needs to travel through cover to reach that bird, you must provide the dog with training situations that help him clearly understand that he is to take a direct line to a mark, no matter what is in his path.  By nature, most dogs will automatically take the route that seems easiest for them.  Only if you create training situations that provide such obstacles to a retrieve can you provide your dog with the tools necessary to be successful. 

Ideally, if we hope to have a versatile golden, we provide training situations that cover all venues as we progress through training.  However, real life often gets in the way of such an “ideal” training program for a versatile retriever.  We all have responsibilities other than our dogs.  Working, training more than one dog, attending dog shows, etc. tends to limit training time for many of us.  Although I try to provide basic skills necessary for a versatile golden while my dogs are still at a young age, I tend to focus on only two or possibly three venues at a particular time.  Since I work with more than one dog, time just does not allow me to work all venues at once.  Specifics for a particular venue are not covered in detail until I decide to focus on that particular skill set.  

Training for a CDX with a dog titled in both field and agility is a perfect example of “back tracking” to teach a specific skill set.  Such a titled dog has a solid foundation for a retrieve, just as he knows to come when called.  The dog knows how to jump.  He has learned to walk to the line off lead, remaining in heel position.  However, this does not mean that the dog will automatically understand what is required for the open obedience exercises.  The next articles of the Versatile Golden will focus on the skills required for open obedience and suggestions on how to broaden and expand the basic skill set for a successful performance in the open obedience ring.

  Eric Strickland encourages those who groom for the breed ring to form a mental picture of a dog that represents the ideal as described in our breed standard.  He encourages us to groom to duplicate as closely as possible a dog that represents the breed standard.  His motto is “Strive for Perfection, Achieve Excellence”.

Just as we should formulate in our minds that “perfect picture” of a retrieve in the field, we need to gear our obedience training towards that same ideal retrieve.   In my perfect picture, that excellence of performance for a retrieve on the flat exemplifies a dog (Golden Retriever, of course!!) that runs directly out to the Dumbbell, snatches it quickly and cleanly, turns promptly in a tight circle, then returns in a direct line that exhibits the same speed in his return to the handler that was exhibited as he went out to pick up the dumbbell.  (And, of course, implied in that same description, the dog sits at attention and waits for your command to retrieve, just as he executes a sit straight in front as well as a prompt, direct return to heel position with a straight sit, attention focused on me.) 

According to the AKC Obedience Regulations:   “The retrieve, including the pick up, must be brisk and without hesitation.”  Although the regulations state that a “retrieve should be executed at a brisk trot or gallop”, my ideal picture portrays a dog that will run out to the DB.  Granted, not all dogs will perform in this manner, but a good trainer will take the time to encourage the best possible performance from his dog.  To quote Eric once again, unless you strive for perfection you will not achieve excellence.

Now granted, not all dogs are capable of this perfect picture that I have formulated. However each of us should take the time and put in the effort necessary to train our dogs for the best possible end result the dog can provide. 

  So, the question is, just how do I intend to proceed in training a dog who has a reliable retrieve in the field, but has never attempted to retrieve a dumbbell tossed onto the floor, 20 feet in front of him?  The first step is to go to a place free of distractions for the initial training session.  Toss the dumbbell a short distance of maybe 10 feet in front of the dog.  Just like in early retrieve work in the field, do not worry about a formal sit and stay as you toss the dumbbell.  Rather, place the dog at your left side (sitting or standing), hold the dog by the collar and ask him “Are you ready?” etc. to encourage both willingness and confidence.  Again, similar to early field training, let the dog go out to retrieve before that dumbbell hits the ground.  Did the dog go with gusto?  Prey drive and self-gratification in a retrieve are strong enough in some dogs that you may well have the speed, both in going out and returning, that you want.  For other dogs, that silly wooden thing is not nearly as exciting as a duck or pheasant.    You need to toss that dumbbell 2-3 times to closely examine the “natural instincts”, so to speak for this activity.  (Depending on the dog, you may also increase the distance of the throw as you evaluate his performance.)  As you closely watch the dog, evaluate eagerness to retrieve, speed going out to the dumbbell, promptness and cleanness in pick up, and speed coming back to you.  Is the dog’s tail wagging and does he bring that DB back in a manner that suggests he had fun and knows he is a wonderful dog?   In other words, examine and evaluate all aspects of the retrieve.  Do not worry about the dog sitting and waiting until you command him to retrieve.  Do not concern yourself with a front or finish.  Make this fun and see just how your dog performs and what you need to work on to improve performance in the retrieve on the flat.

(Obviously if the dog fails to retrieve the DB, time needs to be spent teaching a reliable retrieve before proceeding.  Since this article focuses on a dog that already clearly understands to retrieve whatever object is tossed for him, I will not discuss teaching a retrieve here.)

If you are fortunate and have a dog that retrieves according to that perfect picture in your mind, then you can begin to put the retrieve on flat exercise together as a whole.  You can sit the dog in heel position, tell him to stay, toss the DB and issue the Retrieve command.  If that picture pleases you, you can begin to work on having the dog return to front position and finally you can add a finish to the equation. However, if you have a dog that is tentative or unsure, you have work to do before you should proceed.  The perfect scenario in my mind shows a willing and happy worker.

So, if the dog exhibits mediocre speed during the retrieve, if he is hesitant and has his ears back and/or tail between his legs, I will stop at this stage and work to build both speed and confidence in the dog.  I will make a “game” of the retrieve and try to make it fun for the dog so he gains confidence and improves performance.  Initially I may well continue to keep the retrieve short and hold the collar as I toss the DB, telling the dog to “Get it” before that DB hits the ground.  When I see the dog go out with more gusto, showing me that he not only can do this activity, but that he is proud as punch of himself, only then will I extend the length of the retrieve, etc. 

If the dog does not go out to the DB as quickly as I would like (and I am still just tossing  it a short distance), I may run with the dog, "racing” him to encourage more speed. I will “jabber” to him as we go out to the DB together.  I will do everything I can think of to help the dog be confident enough to go out with some speed for that retrieve.  Only when the dog can perform a short retrieve to the best of his ability will I extend the length of that retrieve.  Needless to say, each time the dog shows effort, we will have a celebration with tons of praise!!!  Remember, if you can aid the dog to perform a skill in the way you want and lavishly praise that effort, the dog will be more likely to offer that same behavior again. 

  If the dog displays acceptable speed in going out to the DB, but is slow in his return, and then work on speed in return before moving on.  Some dogs may only need a verbal reminder of “Come” as they pick up the DB to increase speed on the return.

Other dogs that may still be somewhat hesitant may increase their speed if you turn and run away as he picks up the DB.  It may also be necessary to place the dog on a 6 ft lead and issue a pop towards you as the dog picks up the DB.  (Again, if the dog is showing effort or if he just seems unsure of the activity, keep that correction a “fun” one by using your voice to encourage the dog to return quickly to you.  And, of course, praise all efforts by the dog to increase his speed.) 

  How long it takes to mold a retrieve that demonstrates eagerness, promptness and speed will vary from dog to dog.  However, if the dog is a willing retriever in the field, this should not take too long.  The dog knows how to retrieve.  He just has not before been asked to retrieve a dumbbell tossed on the floor.  Dogs are situational.  The dog just needs experience retrieving in the obedience situation.

  Once you have the dog performing the basic retrieve on flat in the manner you want, the next step in my mind is to begin to ask the dog to perform the retrieve in an area that provides some distraction.  It is also a good time to toss the dumbbell under a gate or chair, requiring the dog to retrieve in the presence of an obstacle that makes his job more difficult.  Again, some dogs may have no problem in a situation like this.  Others may “worry” when they need to “fish” that object out from under a gate or chair.  In a proofing situation that causes your dog to feel unsure, use your voice to immediately provide positive feedback.  Repeat such retrieve situations until the dog can perform with confidence. Only when the dog will perform the retrieve of a DB tossed on the floor in the manner that I feel shows maximum effort for that particular dog will I then begin to present the retrieve in a more formal manner.

  I have my plan of action for introducing the retrieve on flat and hope to put it in action during the next weeks.  If I encounter additional problems that I haven’t already anticipated, I will discuss what occurred and what worked best for me in a particular situation.  Next month the Retrieve over the High Jump will be discussed.

Until next time!

Pat Quinn
Everlore     everlore@insightbb.com

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