Introducing left and right casts

Why it matters

Handling casts let a handler direct a dog towards a retrieve it has not seen fall. Left and right casts are the easiest place to start, well before back casts or blind retrieves are attempted.

Set up

• Place two dummies a short distance apart, roughly level with each other.
• Stand the dog between and slightly behind the two dummies.

Run the drill

1. 1Stop the dog with a single pip if it is moving, or start with it sitting.
2. 2Give a clear arm signal and the word 'over' towards one dummy.
3. 3Praise the dog for taking the direction, even if it needs a small amount of guidance at first.

Make it harder

• Increase the distance between the dog and the dummies.
• Alternate which side you cast to so the dog reads the signal rather than guessing.
• Introduce the cast after a stop whistle mid retrieve rather than from a standing start.

Common mistakes

• Casting before the dog is properly stopped and watching: a clean stop makes the cast far easier to read.
• Using a weak or inconsistent arm signal: make the signal clear and the same every time.
• Expecting distance too soon: keep casts short and easy until the dog understands the idea.