Steadiness to a thrown dummy

Why it matters

A dog that breaks the moment something moves will always be hard work in the field. Practising steadiness to a thrown dummy, without ever sending the dog, teaches it that watching calmly is part of the job.

Set up

• Put the dog on a slip lead or hold the collar gently.
• Have a helper stand a short distance away with a light dummy.

Run the drill

1. 1Ask the dog to sit beside you.
2. 2Have the helper throw the dummy a short distance while you hold the dog steady.
3. 3Wait several seconds after the dummy lands, praise quietly, then either release for the retrieve or walk the dog away without it.

Make it harder

• Increase the distance and number of throws before any retrieve is allowed.
• Add a second dummy thrown from a different direction.
• Practise with mild distractions such as another person walking past.

Common mistakes

• Sending the dog every single time: mix in throws where the dog does not get to retrieve, so steadiness has real value.
• Holding the collar too tightly: a light hand teaches self control rather than restraint.
• Throwing before the dog is settled: wait for a calm sit before any dummy leaves the hand.