29. Things To Remember When
Teaching The Retrieve On Flat
Keep your dog on leash, so you will be ready for that first important correction.
During the early lessons, place the dumbbell directly in front of the dog so that she can reach it by lowering her head.
Give the command ONCE, without body motion.
Follow the command with generous praise. The praise may even encourage your dog to start without a correction.
When a correction is necessary, give extra praise as you jerk the leash.
Give the first command in a happy tone of voice. Save the demanding tone until you need it.
When the leash is off, if your dog fails to start, reach back with your RIGHT foot and tap the dog's right flank while you are saying "Good Girl!" Then rush forward and encourage her to pick up the dumbbell.
Never let your dog come back without the dumbbell. Run forward. Block her! Repeat the command in a more demanding tone, then follow the second command with praise.
When a dog successfully learns to RETRIEVE ON FLAT, the RETRIEVE OVER HURDLE will not be difficult. The wise owner will, however, overcome as many dumbbell problems as he can before requiring his dog to combine retrieving with jumping.
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