Delivery to hand: first steps for a gundog puppy

Why it matters

Delivery to hand is judged closely in every gundog working test and grading. A puppy that learns to enjoy carrying and holding an object, without a fuss made of taking it away, builds the foundation early.

Set up

• Use a small, soft puppy dummy or a favourite toy.
• Sit or kneel at the puppy's level to start.

Run the drill

1. 1Offer the dummy and encourage the puppy to take it in its mouth.
2. 2Let it carry the dummy around and hold it for a few seconds.
3. 3Gently take the dummy while giving a calm, quiet cue, then reward straight after with praise or a treat.

Make it harder

• Encourage the puppy to carry the dummy a few steps towards you before you take it.
• Introduce a second, slightly different dummy so carrying is not tied to one object.
• Ask for a brief sit while holding the dummy before you take it.

Common mistakes

• Snatching the dummy away: take it gently and calmly so the puppy never learns to guard or drop it early.
• Only practising indoors: once confident, try the same game in the garden with mild distraction.
• Chasing a puppy that runs off with the dummy: stay still and encourage it back rather than creating a game of keep away.