Retrieving Items by Name

Retrieve tasks is a general term that can be split into multiple directions based on the needs of the SD Handler. Once your dog knows how to retrieve you can build up that skill to include picking up dropped items, teaching the names of commonly requested items, building distance away from the handler that the dog can go to do the task, and building duration for how long the dog can carry an item in their mouth.

Named items should be taught one at a time and can involve the items having a home or resting place or using scent to find the items. For example, medications, shoes, or a backpack might have designated spot that they sit in when not in use. Other items such as keys, phone, or glasses often get set down in unusual spots therefore the dog may have to retrace your recent steps or use scent to find the item.

For this video above Ashlynn is working with SD Daisy to retrieve a shoe from the other room. Daisy first had to learn to pick up the shoe and hand it to Ashlynn, then do so a greater distance moving farther away and carrying longer to get back, and also learning the name “shoe”. 

Start with just one item that your dog has retrieved before either by pointing at it or during an accidental dropping of the item. You will place the item on the floor or couch next to you and give your retrieve cue following the Drop, Grab, & Treat Game. Then you will start to add the name of the item or the hand signal of the item when your dog is actively picking it up. So I may put phone on the floor between my legs and ask my dog to pick it up for me, then the moment the item is in their mouth, I'll give the name and/or hand signal. Repeat until this is super easy.

Then start putting the item slightly farther away from you and asking your dog to retrieve it, still giving the name when the dog is already actively retrieving the object. Once I believe the dog is picking up on the name, I will change the cue from Get It to Get My Phone or whatever your cues are for retrieve and the item. From there you can start playing Find It Games or start using your home/resting spot for that item, walking up the item and asking for the retrieve. From there you can slowly move backwards.

Proofing the Named Items

Once your dog has learned the cues for multiple items, you can start to test them by placing 2 items in your training zone and asking for one of them. Then slowly building up. Here is a video of Belle doing this as a practice session: https://youtu.be/MTmSND4uCYI 

Again it is super important to build up slowly! If you are struggling reach out to the Canine Coaches for a video review at crazy2calmcaninecoaches@gmail.com or requesting in our TEAM Task Chat group.