Delivery to hand: sit and present

Why it matters

A dog that sits square in front and offers the dummy calmly makes life easier at every working test and in the field. Building this pattern early avoids a lifetime of dropped or thrown deliveries.

Set up

• Use a dummy light enough for the dog to carry comfortably.
• Have treats ready for the moment of delivery.

Run the drill

1. 1Send the dog for a short, simple retrieve.
2. 2As it returns, encourage it to sit directly in front of you.
3. 3Take the dummy calmly from its mouth while it is sitting, then reward straight after.

Make it harder

• Delay the take slightly so the dog learns to hold and wait, not just drop.
• Practise the sit and present after a slightly longer retrieve.
• Add mild distractions nearby, such as another person standing close by.

Common mistakes

• Rewarding before the sit is complete: wait for a full, settled sit before taking the dummy.
• Taking the dummy from a standing dog: gently guide it into a sit each time until the habit is set.
• Letting the dog drop the dummy at your feet: step in and take it from the mouth rather than picking it up off the ground.