FETCH!!!

 Fetch!  Yes!  It's a THING!   

AKC added this fun test to the Family Dog program which also includes the other tests like the CGC, CGCA, CGCU, Farm Dog, FIT Dog, Therapy Dog, ATT and Virtual Home Manners. 

From the AKC website: 

AKC Family Dog is a comprehensive good manners program for all dogs, whether purebred or mixed breed. While participating in enjoyable activities that are fun for both dogs and people, dogs become well-socialized and develop a lifelong bond with their owners.

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. While some dogs will naturally fetch balls, AKC Fetch, especially at the advanced levels, will involve teaching new skills such as directed retrieving.

SO...  I thought another FUN thing to do with the Mookster!! 

He's been retrieving since Day 1 and gets a reward for bringing me things around the house.  This transferred easily to the dumbbell in obedience and I figured out how hard could it be!  I discovered the first 2 levels were just that...  a piece of cake!!  

He earned the Fetch Novice title in February 2024 at Camp Bandy by retrieving a tug that was thrown 30 feet 3 times in 3 directions with 4 distractions twice.  This was called 3 "single" retrieves.  This was the FIRST Fetch trial in Wisconsin. Click here for more!

  

In March 2024, he earned the Fetch Intermediate title in Oshkosh by completing 4 single retrieves between 8 distractions but this time they were 50 foot retrieves and I used bumpers. Again, he passed both tests as required for the title.  Mookie was one of 5 dogs who passed the intermediate title that day!  Click here for more!

In April 2024, he earned the Fetch Advanced title in Plymouth in a dusty horse barn with birds flying around!  The previous 2 tests were in a facility with rubber matting floor so this was very different.  Also, it all of a sudden became more challenging!!  The distance for the Advanced retrieves is 70 ft. The course has 3 blinds which are screens at least 24 inches tall, and 10 ft. to 12 ft. wide.  As Mookie sat by my side at the start line, a helper dropped a bumper behind each blind as he watched and he calls "hey, hey, hey" as he dropped the bumper.  To pass, Mookie had to do 2 single retrieves and 2 double retrieves.  A double is when the helper drops the bumpers behind 2 blinds and Mookie had to bring the first one back and then immediately go back for the second.  Additionally, I had to tell the judge which one he was going to get and then direct him to get that one.  He passed the first run so he had one leg but then in the second test he retrieved the bumper from the wrong blind!  Day 2, he passed the first test and got the title!!!  He may be the first WI dog to get that title and may be the first Mudi also. Click here for more info!

   

In April 2024 at the location described above, Mookie dipped his toes into the Fetch Retriever test since we were entered.  Retriever is similar to Advanced but 80 feet and the retrieves are 2 doubles and a triple.  He did the doubles but then in the triple went to the wrong blind.  It was a great learning experience and off we go to the next trial in May.