The Imaginative Sport for Active Dogs
and
Creative Trainers
and
Creative Trainers
Retrieve
Assessment Guidelines
The dog should demonstrate that it has
been taught and controlled through very specific types of
movements in a specific fashion.
During the three repetitions of each
exercise the Assessor will be looking for a consistent
performance. When demonstrating more than one movement or
action the Assessor will be looking for a controlled change and
a smooth transition.
At no time will the speed, athleticism or
height of the dog's movement be assessed.
3 = consistent
2 = mostly consistent with perhaps a
minor deviation in one repetition
1 = generally consistent but with more
than one deviation
The dog is required to retrieve with
a pick-up that is clean, without pushing
on or using their feet
a go out and return directly at a good
speed
carrying the article without damaging,
mouthing or dropping it
sitting in the "present"
holding without damaging, mouthing or dropping it
At all levels the dog must complete each
exercise three times.
Retrieve Level 1
The dog must sit in front of the trainer
and cleanly hold an object for 5 seconds, and give to the
trainer on cue.
Retrieve Level 2
The dog must be cued to remain at the
trainer's side whilst an article is thrown at least 2m. The dog
must then be sent to retrieve the article and place it in the
trainer's hand. Each repetition must be in a different location
in the test area.
Retrieve Level 3
The dog must retrieve their dumbbell from
at least 3m. The dog must sit in the heel position during the
throw, go out on cue, return with the dumbbell to the present
position in the sit and go to heel on cue. Each repetition must
be in a different location in the test area, one of which must
be behind the trainer.
Retrieve Level 4
The dog must individually retrieve 3 of
the 5 specified objects* for this level which are provided by
the trainer. The Assessor will choose which of the Trainer's
objects are to be demonstrated. The retrieve must be as for
Level 3.
Retrieve Level 5
The dog must retrieve their dumbbell over
a jump. The trainer can throw or place the dumbbell the far
side of a jump and then send the dog to retrieve with a present
and finish as for Level 3. Each repetition must be over an
increasing distance between:
a) the trainer and the jump
b) the jump and the article.
Retrieve Level 6
The dog must be sent out to retrieve an
object* and drop it on a specified target provided by trainer
(such as a mat or bucket). The trainer will then throw a second
object for the dog to retrieve to present to the trainer, and
when the trainer takes this object from the dog, the dog must
be cued to retrieve the first object from the target. Each
repetition must be with variations in change of location of the
objects, trainer and target.
Objects* for 2006 are: a rolled and taped
magazine, a plastic jar or lid (such as a coffee jar), a small
mat or piece of carpet, an empty metal pop/beer can, a cloth.