Water retrieve basics

Why it matters

Once a dog is a confident swimmer, water retrieves add a genuinely useful skill for field work and working tests alike. Starting with short, easy retrieves in calm water builds a habit of clean entry, a direct swim and a tidy exit.

Set up

• Confirm the dog is already a confident, willing swimmer.
• Use a floating dummy that is easy for the dog to see and grip.

Run the drill

1. 1Throw the dummy a short distance into calm water, close enough that the dog can see it clearly.
2. 2Send the dog and let it swim out, collect the dummy and swim back.
3. 3Encourage it out of the water and reward the delivery on dry land.

Make it harder

• Increase the distance of the throw gradually.
• Practise entries from a slightly different bank or angle.
• Introduce a short, easy memory retrieve in water once marks are solid.

Common mistakes

• Throwing too far too soon: keep early water retrieves short and confidence building.
• Allowing the dog to shake and wander before delivering: encourage it straight to you first, then let it shake off afterwards.
• Working in water that is too cold or in poor weather: choose mild conditions, especially for a dog's early water retrieves.