Marked Retrieves

At Gundog Beginner level, your dog will be expected to complete two marked retrieves back to back, with both retrieves being delivered correctly to hand.

Before introducing two retrieves together, make sure your dog is confident completing a single marked retrieve. Build the distance gradually, making sure the retrieve remains consistent and that your dog understands the requirement to return and deliver the dummy to your hand.

Once your dog is reliable with one marked retrieve, you can begin to introduce the second retrieve immediately after the first. Start with short distances and build slowly, allowing your dog to understand that the same rules apply — watch the fall of the dummy, go when sent, return promptly, and deliver to hand.

At this stage of training, you can keep your dog on a lead until you are ready to send them. The lead is there to help you maintain control and prevent your dog from rehearsing unwanted behaviours.

Remember, a retrieve is not complete until the dummy is delivered correctly to hand. Take your time building each part of the exercise and don't rush to add distance or difficulty before your dog is ready.

As always, less is more. Build confidence, reward success, and create a dog that understands exactly what is expected before moving on.