AKC Fetch titles were created as another activity in which owners could have fun with their dogs in the AKC Family Dog program. Earning AKC Fetch titles provides opportunities for both physical and mental exercise.
AKC Fetch is designed for all breeds.
AKC Fetch is a pass-fail noncompetitive test. The four levels of titles (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced and Retriever) assess the ability of the dog to retrieve. In the Advanced and Retriever levels, the dog must respond correctly to signals. There is also a memory component in Advanced and Retriever because a retrieving bumper or ball is dropped (or thrown) behind a blind where it cannot be seen.
For each of the four titles, the dog must pass the test twice under two different approved AKC Fetch judges.
In the Novice Fetch test (FTN), the handler will throw an object—a ball, bumper, or toy, and the dog will retrieve from at least 30-ft.
The object will be thrown 3 times for 3 single retrieves.
• The handler/dog will walk up to the start line with the dog on leash. The leash will be removed before the handler throws the first ball, bumper, etc.
• In Novice, the handler may hold the collar until the ball is thrown and lands.
• Dog fetches, returns, and must come within 3-ft. (2 steps) of handler. The handler may take the ball.
In the Intermediate Fetch (FTI) test, the handler will throw an object—a ball, bumper, or toy, and the dog will retrieve from at least 50-ft.
• The handler/dog will walk up to the start line with the dog on leash. The leash will be removed before the handler throws the first ball, bumper, etc.
• In Intermediate, the handler may hold the collar with 1 finger until the ball is thrown and lands.
• Dog fetches, returns, and must come within 2-ft. (1 step) of handler. The handler may take the ball.
In the Advanced Fetch (FTA) test, the dog will retrieve bumpers (or balls) from at least 70-ft. These are marked retrieves in which the dog can see a ball or bumper as it is dropped or thrown. The dog retrieves balls or bumpers that are behind blinds.
There will be 2 singles and 2 doubles.
• The handler/dog will walk up to the start line with the dog on leash. The leash will be removed before the helper begins to drop bumpers.
• In Advanced, the handler may not hold the collar. The bumpers must land before the handler sends the dog.
• Dog fetches, returns, and must come close enough for the handler to take the bumper (or the dog delivers to hand)
In the Retriever Fetch test (FTR), the dog will retrieve bumpers (or balls) from at least 80-ft. These are marked retrieves in which the dog can see a ball or bumper as it is dropped or thrown. The dog retrieves balls or bumpers that are behind blinds.
There will be two doubles and one triple.
• The handler/dog will walk up to the start line with the dog on leash. The leash will be removed before the helper begins to drop bumpers.
• In the Retriever test, the handler may not hold the collar. The bumpers must land before the handler sends the dog.
• Dog fetches, returns, and must come close enough for the handler to take the bumper.
For more complete descriptions and diagrams, please go to AKC.org.
OTAC (On Track Agility Club of Maine) will be holding an Introduction to FETCH in April and a FETCH Test in May! Watch the Downeast Dog News calendar for details.
Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 130 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 4 Champion Tracker titles. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 30 years. She is also an AKC Tracking Judge. You can contact her with questions, suggestions, and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@northstardogschool.com.
