Verbal cues: Back & Over

Goal:  This exercise is used to teach a dog to follow the handlers signals to help guide where the bird fell. These common signals are used to send the dog "back" (away from the handler) and "over" (left or right depending on the hand signal).

Requirements:

1. A strong sit-stay command
2. A strong retrieve and hold command.
3. A strong "come" command
4. Retrieving object
5. An open training space

Training Steps:

1. Start with your dog facing you in a sit-stay about 20 ft. away.
2. Gently toss your dogs favorite retrieving object so that it lands 10 ft. parallel to his left side.
3. wait a few seconds, building up the anticipation.
4. Send him out to fetch by commanding "over" while exaggerating your arm  parallel to the ground in the same direction as the retrieving object.
5. Praise as he responds
6. Call him to you
7. Have him sit and release the object with his "out" command
8. Repeat this exercise with the exception of tossing the object to his right side this time.
9. Once your dog is solid with this game, now toss the object directly over his head so it lands behind him.
10. Wait a few seconds
11. Send him out to retrieve by commanding "Back" & raising your arm straight up.
12. Have fun and extend the distance of the tosses as your dog becomes flawless at this exercise.