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.
Dogs who are at least 6 months of age are eligible to take the AKC Fetch test as long as they are registered or enrolled with AKC and have an AKC, PAL, or AKC Canine Partners number.
AKC Fetch is designed for all breeds.
AKC Fetch Program – American Kennel Club
Must register (no drop ins) $20 cash/venmo/zelle per run (at the door)
Click to register https://acenagility.dogbizpro.com/public/registration/events.aspx
NOVICE
In Novice, dogs earn the FTN (Fetch Novice) title. Novice dogs must retrieve a tennis ball (or equivalent), retrieving bumper (also called a dummy) or a toy that has been thrown 30 ft.
The Novice course has 4 distractions. The dog goes between these to retrieve the ball. In Novice, the dog can see where the ball has been thrown.
The distractions are boxes, and the course may include one “fun” distraction such as a lawn chair or lawn ornament.
In Novice, the dog must do 3 single retrieves. In a single retrieve or “Single,” one ball is thrown the dog is given the cue by the handler (e.g., “Fetch it!”), then the dog retrieves and brings the ball to the handler.
The 3 singles will be thrown in any order chosen by the handler. There must be one ball thrown to the left, one to the center, and one to the right.
In Novice, the handler may hold the collar at the start line
* Note that we refer to the “ball.” In Novice and Intermediate, this may be a ball, bumper, or toy.
