My Dog Won't Send on a Retrieve She Doesn't See Get Thrown

Question: I use the command "seek" to send my dog Mavis for a retrieve (I started that before I knew most people use the dog's name). If she doesn't see a dummy get thrown, or have a visual que from my wife tossing a dummy, she won't go on "seek" when I line her. She looks up at me confused like "go where? I didn't see anything".

Which training tips or drills would you recommend I do with her to build up that trust that she'll go when I line her, even when she doesn't see the dummy get thrown?

Jeremy's Answer: I use a lot of memory type retrieves from the beginning. The idea or concept can be used in a lot of ways by making some pretty simple changes to the setup. I can use memories to run doubles or more retrieves over time. There are many variations like trailing memories, circle memories, sight memories, and lots of variations of all the above.

There are a few basic ideas to the memory. Using them to set up retrieves helps me build lining which is what it sounds like you're having some issues with. At the same time, I build steadiness, patience, memory and distance. I can also use this idea or concept to help me get dogs pushing their rough cover and obstacles while holding a good line.

You will see me using this idea or concept with every dog I train in every series. The Blü videos, Bella...Be Good, and our handlers workshop series will give you a lot of examples of how to set them up and use them effectively.

Check those out and let me know how things go. Best of luck and enjoy the training.
Your friend,
Jeremy

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