Utility Training outline

The Utility Test evaluates a hunting dog’s “utility” to the on-foot hunter in all phases of hunting, before and after the shot, in field and marsh, on different species of game. This test is demanding but attainable. Many dogs have earned prize classifications in NAVHDA Utility Tests — and the majority have been owner-trained.

There are plenty of wrong ways to prepare for this test but there is no singular “right” way. The outline below is only one of many proven frameworks. Its bedrock principle is to instill independence and drive (via the drag and then duck search) before training steadiness. Again, there are other valid ways to approach Utility training, but this progression sets up the handler to steady an eager, driven dog. That is a simpler and more predictable project than teaching a steady dog to set aside its obedience and work independently.

Prerequisite to this progression are e-collar conditioning and the force retrieve (also known as “force fetch,” the “trained retrieve” or “conditioned retrieve”). Both must be established — solidly — before further formal training toward the test begins.

SEQUENCE of utility training

1. Force retrieve.

2. Training for the drag.

3. Training for duck search.

4. Steadiness at water.

5. Walking at heel.

6. Long retrieve in water.

7. Field steadiness (no pointing).

8. Steady to wing, shot, and fall.

Force Retrieve

Primary aim: reliable retrieving to hand without dallying, mouthing, or dropping.

Whether a dog should be trained in the force retrieve is the subject of debate and likely always will be. This framework presumes the forced retrieve is fundamental to success in a Utility Test. We respect your view if it differs, but here is the basis for ours:

1. Most handlers have their dogs only 50% completed in force-retrieve.

2. Yet 80% of the Utility Test’s scores are based on retrieving and only 20% of the Utility Test’s score are about steadiness.

3. Do the math and decide where it’s smart apply your efforts.

The force retrieve is an involved process, and a commitment. Once started it must be finished. Many experienced handlers prefer to delegate the job to a professional.

Training for the Drag

Primary aim: independent work followed by a cooperative pick-up and reliable retrieve; the dog should track, locate, and pick up a bird out of the hander’s sight and should retrieve to hand without dallying or mutilating the bird.

1. This is an extension of the force retrieve.

2. Start with short, straight drags where the dog can see you.

3. Walk “with” the drag, and return by the exact same route, to produce an unmistakable scent trail.

4. Begin bending the line, and work toward 90-degree turns downwind.

5. Finish with 300-yard drags that include a turn, with a friend hiding near the bird. Your friend should be prepared to correct the dog if any misbehavior on or after the pick-up occurs.

Duck Search

Primary aim: prolonged work independent of handler; dog should search relentlessly for a downed bird that it has not seen fall without asking for help or requiring handling.

1. Start as an extension of force retrieve — have dog fetch dead duck across water.

2. Next, make dog cross water to a drag. Encourage dog to track, find, and retrieve.

3. Next, let dog see a live bird released across water, have dog find, fetch, and retrieve.

4. Let dog see bird released across water, walk dog off, walk dog back, and then send for find, fetch, and retrieve.

5. To build confidence, ensure that dog always finds a bird. Consider planting multiple birds, or having hidden helpers toss additional dead birds when dog isn’t looking in the event that the dog begins to flail.

Steadiness

Primary aim: cooperative teamwork; at the water dog should remain under handler control at blind and in the field dog should be steady through wing, shot, and fall.

1. Train “whoa” thoroughly — dog should understand it means “stop and stay,” every time.

2. Proof “whoa” by making dog sit or stand through progressively more challenging distractions.

3. Make dog whoa or sit while you are back at your vehicle, shooting.

4. Make dog honor other dogs retrieving in water.

5. Make dog honor you as you shoot, you throw, and you retrieve birds.

6. Make dog honor live birds shot over water.

7. Allow dog to point a bird and then make dog honor you as you flush, shoot, and retrieve it.

8. Repeat (7) until dog understands to be steady to wing, shot, and fall: the trainer should retrieve all birds and dog should retrieve none until finished.