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.

* Note that we refer to the “ball.” In Novice and Intermediate, this may be a ball, bumper, or toy.

 

 

INTERMEDIATE

In Intermediate, dogs earn the FTI (Fetch Intermediate) title. Intermediate dogs must retrieve a tennis ball (or equivalent), bumper, or toy that has been thrown 50 ft.

The Intermediate course has 8 distractions. The dog must go between these to retrieve the ball. The dog can see where the ball has been thrown.

The distractions are boxes, and the course may include up to two “fun” objects such as a lawn chair, or lawn ornaments.

In Intermediate, the dog must do 4 single retrieves. In any order (handler’s choice), these must be:

• 1 to the left

• 1 to the center

• 1 to the right

• then 1 more to the left or right (handler’s choice)