In addition to the equipment used in Recall you will need -

• Retrieve articles - we shall call them "balls" throughout this website -

Handlers should experiment away from the training environment (ie at home) to find out which article(s) the dog enjoys carrying in its mouth.  Some dogs prefer certain toys, others prefer articles with certain textures or smells, while others prefer a new article each time.  Many owners are surprised to find that dogs that may happily chase a moving ball may not be happy about retrieving a ball placed on the ground - this is because the dog associates balls with chasing prey - see instincts - and has no interest in them as static objects.  Find out what the dog works best for but bring some alternative "reserves" to the training session in case it becomes bored and needs the stimulus of another type of article.  Whatever is used must have happy associations for the dog - it must never have been told off for picking up such an article in the past (eg soft materials may remind dogs of clothing they were told off for playing with and chewing as a puppy; leather items may remind the dog of being told off for chewing a human shoe; certain toys may have been the favourite toy of another dog in the household and the dog being trained may be anxious of being reprimanded by the sudden appearance of this dog).  If you have tried teaching retrieve in the past without success, please do not use any articles similar to those used before - the dog was confused or unwilling to use them to retrieve and will bring these negative associations with it.

Below is a list of ideas for retrieve articles.  Once the dog has learnt to do a Hand run (run through the poles to the 51ft/15.3m marker and the black rubber mat with the helper behind it, picked up the article and run back through the poles to the handler, placing the article in their hands so that it can be given its motivator) with this article the dog can be introduced to other articles until it has a wide range of articles that it will retrieve - hopefully including tennis balls, or mini balls if it is a small dog, so that it can later progress to flyball.  However, there are no penalties for not retrieving a tennis ball - use whatever the dog enjoys retrieving.  After all, this Game is for the dog's enjoyment as much as it is for the handler!

Suggestions for the retrieve article for Hand (one or a variety/combination can be used in a Hand Game or Competition).  This is not the definitive list - any article can be used as long as it is easy for the dog to pick up, and is not a danger to the dog to carry (ie small enough that it may accidentally swallow it; breakable so that pieces of it could be swallowed or cut the dog's mouth; sticks and branches, as the sharp edges could impale a dog's throat as the dog puts its foot on it and brings the stick up at an angle, or should the stick fall awkwardly if dropped) nor too noisy to distract any other dogs playing the Game.

• A black rubber mat, which the "ball" is placed on for the dog to see at a distance, and used to turn on as it runs back to its handler.  As well as being a large target area for the dog to see at a distance with a stark contrast to the ground and the article on it, the mat mimics the black rubber covered ramp of a flyball box - with a ball in one of the holes.  The mat also preserves the surface of the training area as the dogs dig their nails and turn on the mat, rather than cut up the ground underneath.  The mat can also be dried down with an old towel so that the turning area remains dry and safe if the ground is damp.  A normal, rectangular black rubber car mat is recommended as it is cheap and easily available from Halfords, or other car accessory shops. 
  
  
• An apron, bum-bag or article of clothing with big pockets in it.  The helper needs to wear something in which to store a supply of "balls" in.  By hiding the spare "balls", the dog is not distracted by the sight of them as it runs up to the mat - it can focus all its attention on the "ball" on the mat and does not realise that there are spares ready for the next couple of runs.
  
  
• Two containers with lids - such as a nappy bucket, a picnic box/bag, or a storage box.  One to keep the spare "balls" in when the helper's hands are full.  It needs to have a lid so that the dog is unable to steal a "ball" from there rather than retrieve the one on the mat.  It is best if the container is directly behind the helper so that it does not distract the dog's attention.  The other for the handler to put the "ball" once the dog has retrieved it and been rewarded with its motivator.  Again, some dogs will steal the "balls" from this container, hence the need for a lid.
  
  
• A clicker - this is not essential but if the dog is used to being trained with one it is a very useful tool to use.  However, it is a very powerful tool as well and should not be used by inexperienced handlers - find a good dog trainer who can show you how to use it correctly and at exactly the right moment.  Sheila Harper Canine Education stocks a variety of good books and videos about the subject and can recommend trainers who teach clicker training, and courses that you may like to attend.

The Material contained herein may not be reproduced without the prior written approval of Dog Games Ltd. © 2000-2005 All Rights Reserved.

HAND HOME PAGE