12. Things To Remember When
Teaching The Retrieve In Play

Play games every chance you have.

Use an assortment of articles, and include the dumbbell.

Practice RETRIEVE IN PLAY, both on and off leash.

Keep the retrieve command a happy one.

Give the command ONCE.

Give praise while your dog is taking the article from the floor or the ground.

Allow your dog to chase articles without waiting for them to stop rolling.

Don't insist that the dog sit every time she returns. When you take the object from your dog, never pull on it.

As the dog progresses, delay the praise until she is on her way back WITH the article.

Train often, but keep the lessons short.

If your dog has no interest in playing games, give her straight obedience. Owners with little previous experience can successfully teach their dogs to retrieve on command by following the instruc­tions outlined on the following pages, but take ONE step at a time, and thoroughly master it before going on to the next!

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