2. Canine Retrieve Work Tests

Print: Retrieve.pdf

2009 Rules & Regs.pdf

2A.    Single Novice Shore to Sea Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog shall retrieve an article from 35 ft or  60 ft. and return it to the starter’s box.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog and shall end when the dog is in the box with the article.

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

Any floating article. 

Site Equipment:  

Two markers, placed at or about 60 ft out from and parallel to the shoreline.

Classification of Standards:  Group 1 dogs shall  retrieve an article from a minimum of 60 ft from the shoreline. Group 2 dogs shall retrieve an article from  a minimum of 35 ft from the shoreline.

Prescripts: 

The handler may gently restrain the dog by the harness or the life jacket until the dog is released for the retrieve.  The handler shall not guide or push the dog forward out of the starter’s box. The handler may elect to have a steward toss for the team or the handler may toss the article. The handler must throw from the starter’s box. The steward may toss from anywhere in the water or on shore, except in the starter’s box. 

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starter’s box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the handler or steward shall toss the article out into the water.
   

3. •The judge shall signal the handler to  send the dog for the retrieve.
   

4. •The handler shall remove all hand contact with the dog and cue the dog to retrieve.
   

5. •The dog shall immediately enter the water,  go directly to the article, grasp the article by mouth, immediately return to the starter’s box  and enter the box with the article. 
   

6. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

2B.    Single 60 ft Shore to Sea Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog shall retrieve an article from 60 ft., return it to the starter’s box and deliver it to the handler’s hand.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog and shall end when the judge has observed the dog’s delivery. 

Time Requirements:   None

Team Equipment:  

Three significantly different (size, weight, and shape) floating toys, water articles.

Site Equipment:  

Two markers, placed at or about 60 ft out from and parallel to the shoreline.

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

The judge shall indicate the article to be retrieved.  A steward shall toss the retrieve article and may do so from anywhere in the water or on shore, except in the starter’s box. The article shall be a minimum of 60 ft from the shoreline when the dog is sent. 

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starters box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the article shall be tossed.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall cue the dog to retrieve.
   

4. •The dog shall immediately enter the water, go directly to the article, grasp the article by mouth, immediately return to the starter’s box, enter the box and release the article into the handler’s hand.  
   

5. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

2C.     Single 100 ft Shore to Sea Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog shall retrieve an article from 100 ft, return it to the starter’s box and deliver it into the handler’s hand.

Time limit:

3 minutes. Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog and shall end when the judge has observed the dog’s delivery. 

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

Three significantly different (size, weight, and shape)  floating toys, water articles  or other objects.  

Site Equipment:  

One or two distance markers set 100 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline. One Row boat.

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

The judge shall indicate the article to be retrieved.   A steward shall toss the article from a boat, which may be anchored close enough to the 100 ft zone to make a successful toss.  The boat may remain in the area during the task, but the steward shall avoid drawing the dog’s attention. The article shall be a minimum of 100 ft from the shoreline when the dog is sent.

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starter’s box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the article shall be tossed.
   

3. •Upon signal from the  judge the handler shall cue the dog to make the retrieve.  
   

4. •The dog shall immediately enter the water, go directly to the article, grasp the article by mouth, immediately return to the starter’s box, enter the box and release the article into the handler’s hand.    
   

5. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

2D.    Submerged Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog shall retrieve an underwater article in shallow water and deliver it to the handler.

Time limit:

30 seconds.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog and shall end when the judge has observed the dog’s delivery. 

Time Requirements:   None

Team Equipment:  

Three different shaped Underwater Retrieve Articles.  No attachments.

Site Equipment:   None

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

The judge shall select the retrieve article.  The dog shall be positioned in the water at a depth that is at or above the dog’s elbow. The handler shall drop or toss the article a minimum of 2 ft. in front of the dog and parallel to the shoreline.  Once the article has been tossed the handler must remain in the same spot, with hands above the water line at all times, and wait for the dog to return for the delivery.  The article, when tossed, must sink immediately and be completely covered by water when it touches bottom. If the judge is not satisfied with the article’s drop the judge shall have the handler re-toss the article.  The dog may retrieve the article by pawing it to shallow water, pawing it to shore or  submerging.

Task:

1. •The Team shall enter the starter’s box.
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the team shall move into the water and set up for the task.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall toss or drop the retrieve article and send the dog to retrieve it. 
   

4. •The dog shall grasp the article by mouth,  return to the handler and release the article in the handler’s hand. 
   

5. •The Judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

2E.    Two Article Shore to Sea Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog shall retrieve two articles from 100/60 ft or 60/35 ft, return each to the starter’s box and deliver to the handler’s hand

Time limit:

5 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog and shall end when the judge has observed the dog’s delivery of both articles. 

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

THREE significantly different (size, weight, shape) floating toys, water articles or other objects.  The judge shall select two articles from among the three to be used in the test.

Site Equipment:  

Two markers set at about 100 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline.  Two markers set at about 60 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline.  One Row boat.

Classification of Standards:  

Group 1 retrieve  distance between 100 ft. and a minimum of 60 ft. from the shoreline.  Group 2 retrieve distance between 60 ft. and a minimum of  35 ft.  from the  shoreline. 

Prescripts: 

The Judge shall select two water articles belonging to the team from among the three presented.  A steward shall row or swim out into the water, scatter  the  retrieve articles a minimum of 10 ft. apart in a water zone of  between 60 ft. and 100 ft. from the shoreline for Group 1 or between 35 ft.  and 60 ft. from the shoreline for Group 2 and leave the retrieve area. If natural conditions move the articles a significant distance out of a specific water zone the judge may have a steward quickly move (not throw) the article(s) back into the proper retrieve zone while taking care not to interfere with the dog’s work.  There shall be no designated retrieve order for the two articles, but the dog may only retrieve one article at a time. If an article becomes entangled on the dog, the judge may direct a steward to retrieve the article and place it back in the water zone.

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starter’s box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the articles shall be scattered.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall send the dog for the first article.
   

4. •The dog shall immediately enter the water, grasp one article by mouth, return to the starter’s box, enter the box and release the article into the handler’s hand.
   

5. •The handler shall then send the dog for the remaining article.
   

6. •The dog shall immediately enter the water, grasp one article by mouth,  immediately return to the starter’s box, enter the box and release the last article into the handler’s hand.
   

7. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

2F.    Three Article Shore to Sea Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog shall retrieve three articles from 100/60 ft or 60/35 ft, return each to the starter’s box and deliver to the handler’s hand

Time limit:

6 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog and shall end when the judge has observed the dog’s delivery of all three articles. 

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

Three significantly different (size, weight, shape) floating toys, water articles or other objects.

Site Equipment:  

Two markers set at about 100 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline.  Two markers set at about 60 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline.  One Row boat.

Classification of Standards:  

Group 1 retrieve  distance between 100 ft. and a minimum of 60 ft. from the shoreline.  Group 2 retrieve distance between 60 ft. and a minimum of  35 ft.  from the  shoreline. 

Prescripts: 

A steward shall row or swim out into the water, scatter  the  retrieve articles a minimum of 10 ft. apart in a water zone of  between 60 ft. and 100 ft. from the shoreline for Group 1 or between 35 ft.  and 60 ft. from the shoreline for Group 2 and leave the retrieve area. If natural conditions move the articles a significant distance out of a specific water zone the judge may have a steward quickly move (not throw) the article(s) back into the proper retrieve zone while taking care not to interfere with the dog’s work.  There shall be no designated retrieve order for the three articles, but the dog may only retrieve one article at a time. If an article becomes entangled on the dog, the judge may direct a steward to retrieve the article and place it back in the water zone.

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starter’s box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the articles shall be scattered.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall send the dog for the first article.
   

4. •The dog shall immediately enter the water, grasp one article by mouth, return to the starter’s box, enter the box and release the article into the handler’s hand.
   

5. •The handler shall then send the dog for another article.
   

6. •The dog shall immediately enter the water, grasp one article by mouth,  immediately return to the starter’s box, enter the box and release the article into the handler’s hand.
   

7. •The handler shall then send the dog for the third and final article.
   

8. •The dog shall immediately enter the water, grasp the article by mouth, return to the starter’s box, enter the box and place the article in the handler’s hand.
   

9. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

2G.    Directed Shore to Sea Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog shall retrieve a single, designated article of three articles from 100/60 ft., return to starter’s box  and deliver it into the handler’s hand.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog and shall end when the judge has observed the dog’s delivery of the article. 

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

Three floating articles, the same in all aspects (size, shape, color, weight, throw lines).

Site Equipment:  

Two markers set at about 100 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline.  Two markers set at about 60 ft  from and parallel to the shoreline. One Row boat.

Classification of Standards:  

Group 1 shall retrieve at a minimum distance of 100 ft. from the shoreline.  Group 2  shall retrieve at a minimum distance of 60 ft.  from the  shoreline. 

Prescripts: 

A steward shall toss or drop three retrieve articles a minimum of 30 ft. apart, parallel to shore and 100 ft. from the shoreline for Group 1 or  60 ft. from the shoreline for Group 2.  The judge shall tell the handler which article the dog is to retrieve, “left”, “center” or “right”.  The team may face the designated article.    The dog shall complete the course as directed and may not approach within three feet of a non designated target.

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starter’s box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the articles shall be tossed or dropped.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall send the dog for the designated article. 
   

4. •The dog shall immediately enter the water, go directly to the designated article, grasp the article by mouth, immediately return to the starter’s box, enter the box and release the article in the handler’s hand.
   

5. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

2H.    Verbal Article Discrimination Shore to Sea Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog shall retrieve a designated article by “name” alone,  return to the starter’s box and deliver it into the handler’s hand.

Time limit:

2 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog into the water and shall end when the judge has observed the dog’s delivery of the article.

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

A PFD (Life ring, life jacket or seat cushion), a tow line, and a small paddle. 

Site Equipment:  

Two markers set at about 100 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline.  Two markers set at about  60 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline. One Row Boat.

Classification of Standards:  

Group 1 shall retrieve a minimum distance of 100 ft.  Group 2 shall retrieve a minimum of 60 ft. from the  shoreline.

Prescripts: 

The Judge shall inform the handler which article is to be retrieved by the dog. The handler shall only identify the article to the dog by its verbal label (i.e. cushion, line, paddle) and may give one non directional “take” cue while the dog is still in the starter’s box. The handler shall not use body language or sound to communicate directions, encouragement, or further information. The handler may repeat just the name of the article once the dog has left the starter’s box. Once the dog has the correct article the handler may resume unrestricted communications with the dog.  A steward shall place the retrieve articles together in the water, not greater that three feet apart, 100 ft. from the shoreline for Group 1 or  60 ft. from the shoreline for Group 2.  If an article becomes entangled on the dog, the judge may direct a steward to retrieve the article and place it back in the water. The dog may not grab or mouth a non-designated article.

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starter’s box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the articles shall be placed.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall send the dog for the named article. 
   

4. •The dog shall immediately enter the water, go directly to the article, grasp the designated article by mouth, immediately return to the starter’s box, enter the box and place the article in the handler’s hand.  
   

5. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

2 I.     Single 100 ft Shore to Boater Line Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog shall retrieve an article from a boater at the 100 ft line, return it to the starter’s box and deliver it into the handler’s hand.

Time limit:

3 minutes. Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog and shall end when the judge has observed the dog’s delivery to the Handler. 

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

A Tow Line  

Site Equipment:  

One or two distance markers set 100 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline. One Row boat.

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

A steward shall row to the waterward side of the 100 ft. line with the tow line.  The boat may be anchored.  The steward shall avoid drawing the dog’s attention until the dog is within 6 ft of the boat. The article may be hung over the side of the boat and visible to the team.  The steward shall present the line to the dog when the dog is within 6 ft of the boat.  The dog may take the line from the steward or from any portion of the line in the water.  The steward shall release hold of the line when the dog has taken the line by mouth. The dog need not bring the entire line into the starter box, but shall have entered the box with a portion of the line to make the hand delivery. The steward may travel to the 100 ft line before the team enters the starter box to begin.

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starter’s box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the article shall be readied according to the judge’s instructions.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall cue the dog to make the retrieve.  
   

4. •Upon signal from the handler the dog shall immediately enter the water, go directly to the boater, grasp the article by mouth, immediately return to the starter’s box, enter the box and release the article into the handler’s hand.    
   

5. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

2 J.      Shore to Sea Sphere Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The dog shall retrieve a Sphere from 60 ft. and return it to the shoreline.

Time limit:

4 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog and shall end when the judge has observed the sphere reach the shoreline. 

Time Requirements:   None

Team Equipment:  

A sphere shaped object like a ball of sufficient density and size that the dog cannot grasp or hold the sphere by mouth. The sphere shall float and have no attachments. If the dog is able to hold the sphere by mouth during the task the team shall not qualify.

Site Equipment:  

Two markers, placed at or about 60 ft out from and parallel to the shoreline.

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

A steward shall toss or place the sphere in the water on the waterward side of the 60 ft line according to the Judge’s instructions. The steward shall leave the test area after placement. The dog may be sent for the sphere immediately after the sphere has been placed. The judges instructions shall take into account wind and water action when instructing the location, method and timing of the sphere placement. The article shall be a minimum of 60 ft from the shoreline when the dog is sent.   The dog does not need to beach the sphere, but the sphere must contact the shore.  The dog is not required to return the sphere to center of the test area, but shall return the sphere to within 50 ft of the starter box along the shoreline. The judge may allot extra time if the dog has been steadily working against a significant wind or current.

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starters box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the steward shall position the retrieve article.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall cue the dog to retrieve the sphere.
   

4. •Upon signal from the handler the dog shall immediately enter the water, go directly to the sphere, and move the sphere toward shore by nose, muzzle or paw bumps or pushes.  The dog shall continue to move the sphere until it has been grounded.   
   

5. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

2 K.    Single 60 ft Sea to Shore Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The team shall begin at the 60 ft line in the water. The dog shall retrieve an article from starter box, return it to the 60 ft line and deliver it to the handler’s hand.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog and shall end when the judge has observed the dog’s delivery. 

Time Requirements:   None

Team Equipment:  

Three significantly different (size, weight, and shape) floating toys, water articles.

Site Equipment:  

Two markers, placed at or about 60 ft out from and parallel to the shoreline.

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

The judge shall indicate the article to be retrieved.  A steward shall place the retrieve article in the starter box upon signal of the judge.   The handler shall remain on the waterward side of the 60 ft line once the team has reached the 60 ft line and until the dog has completed the task. The dog must remain under the direction of the handler during the task and may only be sent for the retrieve article from the waterward side of the 60 ft line. The judge may observe this task from shore or sea.

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starters box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the team shall travel to the 60 ft line in the water and ready themselves on the waterward side of  the 60 ft. line
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the article shall be placed in the starter box.
   

4. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall cue the dog to retrieve.
   

5. •Upon signal from the handler the dog shall immediately go to shore, go directly to the article, grasp the article by mouth, immediately bring the article across the 60 ft line and release the article into the handler’s hand.  
   

6. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

2 L.    Two Article Sea to Shore Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The team shall begin at the 60 ft line in the water.  The dog shall retrieve two articles, one at a time, from the starter’s box, return each to the 60 ft line and  deliver each to the handler’s hand

Time limit:

5 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog and shall end when the judge has observed the dog cross the 60 ft line and deliver the second article to the handler. 

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

THREE significantly different (size, weight, shape) floating toys, water articles or other objects.  The judge shall select two articles among the three to be used in the test.

Site Equipment:  

Two markers set at about 60 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline. 

Classification of Standards:  

Same standard for both groups

Prescripts: 

The Judge shall select two water articles belonging to the team among the three presented.  Upon the judge’s signal a steward shall place the two articles in the starter box and leave the area. The handler shall remain on the waterward side of the 60 ft line once the team has reached the 60 ft line and until the dog has completed the task. The dog must remain under the direction of the handler during the task and may only be sent for the retrieve article from the waterward side of the 60 ft line. There shall be no designated retrieve order for the two articles, but the dog may only retrieve one article at a time. If an article becomes entangled on the dog, the judge may direct a steward to retrieve the article and place it where the judge deems appropriate. The judge may observe this task from shore or sea.

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starter’s box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the team shall travel to the 60 ft line in the water and ready themselves on the waterward side of the 60 ft line.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the articles shall be placed in the starter box.
   

4. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall send the dog for the first article.
   

5. •Upon signal from the handler, the dog shall immediately go to shore, grasp one article from the box by mouth, bring the article back across the 60 ft line and deliver the article to the handler’s hand. The handler may then send the dog for the remaining article.
   

6. •The dog shall immediately go to shore, grasp the remaining article by mouth, immediately cross the 60 ft line and release the last article into the handler’s hand.
   

7. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

2 M.      Single 100 ft Sea to Shore Retrieve from Steward

Task Summary:  

The teams shall begin at the 100 ft line in the water. The dog shall retrieve an article from a Steward in the starter box, return it to the 100 ft line and deliver into the handler’s hand.

Time limit:

4 minutes. Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog and shall end when the judge has observed the dog cross the 100 ft line and deliver to the handler. 

Time Requirements:  None

Team Equipment:  

Three significantly different (size, weight, and shape) floating toys, water articles or other objects.  

Site Equipment:  

One or two distance markers set 100 ft. from and parallel to the shoreline.

Classification of Standards:  None

Prescripts: 

The judge shall indicate the article to be retrieved.   Upon signal from the judge the steward shall stand with the article in the starter box.  The steward may communicate with the dog when the dog is within 6 ft. of the steward. The handler shall remain on the waterward side of the 100 ft line once the team has reached the 100 ft line and until the dog has completed the task. The dog must remain under the direction of the handler during the task and may only be sent for the retrieve article from the waterward side of the 100 ft line. The judge may observe this task from shore or sea.

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starter’s box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the team shall travel to the 100 ft. line in the water and ready themselves on the waterward side of the 60 ft line.
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the steward shall enter in the starter box with article.
   

4. •Upon signal from the  judge the handler shall cue the dog to make the retrieve.  
   

5. •Upon signal from the handler the dog shall immediately go to shore, enter the box,  grasp the article from the steward by mouth, bring the article across the 100 ft line and release the article into the handler’s hand.    
   

6. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.
   

2 N.    Single 60 ft by 60 ft Parallel Sea Retrieve

Task Summary:  

The team shall begin at the 60 ft line in the water. The dog shall retrieve a tow line from a point 60 ft away and on a parallel with the 60 ft line and deliver it to the handler’s hand.

Time limit:

3 minutes.  Timing shall begin when the handler sends the dog and shall end when the judge has observed the dog’s delivery to the handler. 

Time Requirements:   None

Team Equipment:  

A Tow Line.

Site Equipment:  

Two markers, placed at or about 60 ft apart and 60 ft out from and parallel to the shoreline.

Classification of Standards:   None

Prescripts: 

A steward shall place the retrieve article a minimum of 60 ft away from the team and along the 60 ft line.   The handler shall remain on the exterior side of the perpendicular line between shore and the 60 ft line and a minimum of 60 ft from shore until the dog has completed the task. The dog must remain under the direction of the handler during the task and may only be sent for the retrieve article from the exterior side of the perpendicular line between the shore and the 60 ft water line. The judge may observe this task from shore or sea.

Task:

1. •The team shall enter the starters box
   

2. •Upon signal from the judge the team shall travel to the 60 ft line and ready themselves on the exterior side of the perpendicular line between shore and the 60 ft water line (Marker).
   

3. •Upon signal from the judge the steward shall place the article on the opposite side of the team, a minimum of 60 ft away and a minimum of 60 ft from the shoreline.
   

4. •Upon signal from the judge the handler shall cue the dog to retrieve.
   

5. •Upon signal from the handler the dog shall immediately go directly to the article, grasp the article by mouth, bring the article over the 60 ft perpendicular line and release the article into the handler’s hand.  
   

6. •The judge shall signal the end of the task.