Competition obedience....

[Shelteez2]

Anybody compete in obedience in the Open level? If so how did you teach the formal retrieve to your dog?
I'd appreciate any advice.

Thanks.

[petlover]

I competed in agility with my sheltie, but I do not understand Open Level. I am sorry that I could not be of any help.

[*FlatCoatsRule*]

I didn't compete, but, I know a lot about training cause my grandma competes and she has two boxers, one boston terrier and one poodle. I know that the comand was "take it" and you put your hand in the direction you want them to go in and say whatever command you use.
Hope I did SOMETHING!

[cloverfdx]

i have not competed in the open level (just Novice) but have many friends training/competing in open and higher levels (Utility )

Heres how i have been trying to teach this exercise to Clover (My RottiX) as she does not like the feel of the dumbell it is/has been very difficult to teach the "Fetch" "Hold" "Give" commands.

#1 "Fetch" i have been playing "Keep away" and getting the dog really keen on wanting the dumbell and even rubbing some cream cheese on it to make it more interesting (has not worked by the way lol) and then one the dog is keen enough throw it a short distance and priase as soon as the dog moves towards the dumbell (or article being used)

#2 "Hold" the fun part of getting the dog to pick the article up, you may need to show the dog what you want by gently placing the article in his/her mouth and holding it there for a few seconds, and again LOTS of PRAISE, you can gradually lengthen the time of "Hold" untill the dog is happy to hold the article by itself. you then need to teach the dog to hold whilst moving towards you you can teach this by moving away from the dog and the dog SHOULD follow again lots of praise if still holding article (if not go back to Hold).

To be continued.....

[cloverfdx]

as the dog is starting to learn that it is good to carry the article back to the handler you can introduce the dog to sitting infront of the handler when returning with the article.
(i know i made no sense then but its getting late and im not concentrating on how to word things sorry)

#3 "Give" the easiest of all commands (your dogs would probably know this one anyway but if they dont)

just offer them a tasty treat in place of the article and they should "Give" it up.

well good luck on trialing in Open and hope to see you asking for Utility advice soon oh and remember HAVE FUN and act happy when training for ALL exercises.

[Shelteez2]

Thanks for those tips. My biggest problem is that I keep researching different methods to teach it but I never settle on one. It's just my laziness and procrastination coming out, LOL
Also I don't take training classes so sometimes it's hard to just motivate myself.

Originally posted by cloverfdx
well good luck on trialing in Open and hope to see you asking for Utility advice soon oh and remember HAVE FUN and act happy when training for ALL exercises.

Thanks for the good wishes. I hope that one day we make it to Utility....but then I'd really have to stop procrastinating, LOL
And I'm always happy when we train as I love obedience and so do my dogs. *S*