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.....