In the previous article, we considered why many retrievers struggle to settle, and how this is often connected not to excess energy, but to instinct without direction.
The natural next step is to begin introducing a small amount of structure into the dog’s activity.
This does not require complex training, nor does it require long sessions. A few minutes of calm, purposeful work can often be more effective than a long period of unstructured exercise.
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products that I believe may be genuinely useful to dog owners.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Purpose of the Exercise
This exercise is not about teaching the dog to retrieve in a formal sense.
Its purpose is to begin establishing a pattern:
- The dog learns to wait
- The dog learns to watch
- The dog learns to respond to guidance
In doing so, the dog begins to understand that activity is something that happens with direction, not simply through impulse.
Towards the end of this article you’ll find a free exercise guide to download. You don’t even need to give your email address!
Setting Up
Labrador learning the importance of wait
Choose a quiet environment where the dog is not overly distracted.
Have a single retrieving item – ideally a simple canvas dummy that is appropriate for the size and age of the dog. You do not need anything complicated. A small, lightweight canvas retrieving dummy is ideal tor a puppy and as the dog develops, you can progress to a slightly larger dummy.
When I first introduce a puppy to retrieving dummies, I normally work on short grass and over quite short distances. At this stage I want the retrieve to be easy and successful, so visibility can be more important than scent. I generally favour a blue, yellow or orange dummy for these early exercises. Later, when we begin throwing into longer grass or denser cover, scent becomes increasingly important and less visually obvious colours, such as green, can be useful.
Don’t become too concerned about colour, though. On short grass, lawns or beaches and over the short distances we are using here, it is unlikely to be the deciding factor.
The important thing is to choose a simple dummy that is comfortable for the dog to pick up and carry.For a young puppy: I suggest a lightweight 100g/3.5oz canvas dummy, such as this Dog & Field Puppy Training Dummy on Amazon.
As the dog develops: a ½lb canvas dummy provides a useful next step, such as this Dog & Field ½lb Training Dummy on Amazon.
Remember that a retrieving dummy is a training tool rather than a chew toy. Use it for the exercise and put it away when you have finished.
Stand with the dog close to you. There is no need for commands at this stage beyond what the dog already understands.
Step One: The Pause
Before anything is thrown, pause.
This is the most important part of the exercise.
Hold the dog gently if necessary, or simply stand quietly and wait for a moment of stillness. It may only be a second or two at first.
This pause begins to introduce the idea that action does not happen immediately.
Step Two: The Throw
Make a short, simple throw.
There is no need for distance or excitement. In fact, the quieter and more controlled the throw, the better.
Avoid repeated or rapid throwing. This is not a game of constant activity.
Step Three: The Release
Allow the dog to go for the retrieve in a calm manner.
If the dog rushes or becomes over-excited, do not be concerned. At this stage, we are simply beginning the process.
Step Four: The Return
Encourage the dog to return to you.
When the dog comes back, take the item calmly and without excitement. Avoid turning this into a tug game or a moment of heightened energy.
Step Five: The Reset
Once the retrieve is complete, pause again.
Stand quietly. Allow the dog to settle, even briefly, before repeating the exercise.
Keeping It Short
Two or three retrieves are sufficient.
It is far better to stop while the dog remains attentive than to continue until the dog becomes over-stimulated.
This is not about quantity. It is about quality and clarity.
What You May Notice
At first, the exercise may appear very simple.
However, over a number of short sessions, many owners begin to notice small but important changes:
- The dog begins to wait more readily
- The dog becomes more attentive
- The dog recovers more quickly after activity
These are early signs that the dog is beginning to understand the pattern.
A Different Way of Working
This approach may feel slower than more familiar forms of play or exercise.
But it introduces something that is often missing:
A sense of structure and purpose
When this is present, calmness often begins to develop naturally.
Moving Forward
This is only a starting point.
The aim is not to perfect the exercise, but to begin establishing a way of working that makes sense to the dog.
Over time, these small moments of waiting, watching, and responding begin to influence behaviour more generally.
A Next Step
If you would like to explore this approach further, including a number of simple variations on this exercise, you may find the following guide helpful:
7 Retrieving Games That Calm Excitable Retrievers
A Simple Retrieving Exercise That Begins to Calm Your Retriever
Leave a Reply