Do you dream of a fast and reliable retrieve?

YES? Then this is the course for you!

Join 5-time International World Champion Disc Dog competitor, Carol Lawrence in learning how to get a reliable retrieve with special focus on the sport of disc!

Your interactive learning experience includes:
  • Recorded video lessons with step-by-step notes for instruction
  • LIVE Zoom Classes with Instructors Carol and Nell
  • Participation in Q&A hours with Instructor Carol
  • Video reviews and direct feedback by Instructor Carol!
  • Learn along with the supportive community

This course is currently taking wait list for the next run. If you're interested in joining us, please email OnlineTraining@McCannDogs.com

Your Dog Will Learn to Be

  • Safe

    Safety is ALWAYS top of mind at McCann Dogs! Learn how to minimize injury in your canine athlete

  • Fun

    Keep things light and enjoyable for your 4-legged family members - there's ALWAYS a focus on fun!

  • Mindful

    Both the dog AND human should enjoy this interaction, so we've put a special focus on building manners as you build drive!

FAQ

  • Who is this course for?

    This fun course is for anyone who wants to learn more about safely exercising their dogs through retrieving. Dogs should have basic obedience skills to participate. Support on basic listening skills will not be provided in this course. If you require help with off-leash control, please look at our Life Skills program first.

  • What if I don't have space or it's winter?

    The program focuses very much on foundation work. Getting distance on retrieve it's very easy IF we do the foundation work. All of the games and exercises can be done in a small space and/or on a leash/line. Many of the games will be great for winter nights when your pup needs some exercise and stimulation - without going outside!

  • Will this help me get into the sport of Disc Dog

    Absolutely - this program will help anyone looking to build a solid foundation in disc as well as those going back to fill in holes in their training foundations.

  • How long do I have access to the course?

    You will have access to all program content for 16 full weeks starting on July 2nd

  • Can any dog take this course?

    Any dog who is healthy and fit can participate in this course. Dogs should be a minimum of 4 months of age and should have basic listening skills.

  • What if I need help?

    No problem! Lessons are presented through weekly videos, however you will have several opportunities each week to connect with Instructor Carol. There are live Zoom classes, Rapid-Fire Q&A Hours and opportunity to submit video for Carol's review and feedback.

  • What if I can't make it to the live events?

    Every live event will be made available to participants as a recording after they are completed. This will allow you to reference the material again or catch up on what you've missed (or both ;o)

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Welcome: Prep Work!

    • *About this Course

    • *Schedule of Events

    • Tell us about your dog and goals!

    • Safety

    • Training Philosophy

    • What You Will Need

    • Introducing Toys to Your Young Dog Or Puppy

    • Working with Multiple Toys for Young Dogs and Puppies

    • Choosing the Right Toy For Success (and Safety!)

    • Choosing the Right Disc for Your Dog

    • How much Exercise Is Right For My Dog?

    • A Walk With Carol: How Much Exercise is Too Much?
  • 2

    BONUS CONTENT: Dog Toe Nail Health

    • Is it Really Important?

    • Nailed It! Training Journal

    • Building Value for Handling Feet

    • Removing the Food as a Lure

    • Putting it all together!
  • 3

    Supplemental

    • Glossary of terms

    • But my dog can do this at home! Notes on Situational Learning

    • Tips for Videoing Your Work

    • A Word About House Lines and Long Lines for Control

    • How to Restrain Your Dog

    • How to Teach a Hand Tap

    • Treat Recipes
  • 4

    Get to Know the Video Tool

    • *Video Tool

    • Submit A Trick Video!
  • 5

    Week 1 - Safety, Manners and Control Work

    • Introduction to Week One

    • Manners and Control Around Toys

    • Having Your Dog Circle Around You For The Retrieve

    • How to Throw a Disc

    • Disc Drills - The Spin

    • Disc Drills - Throwing Technique

    • How to Throw a Disc Roller

    • Disc Drills - The Roller

    • Bite Work

    • How to Throw a Toy Safely for Your Dog

    • Starting the Retrieve!

    • Check In: Tell us about your Retrieve!

    • Disc Takes

    • Check In: How are you doing with Disc Takes?
  • 6

    Week 2 - Distractions and Proofing

    • About Week Two

    • Am I Ready to Move Onto Longer Throws?

    • Introducing Distractions

    • Teaching Your Dog 'Around' - the Other Direction

    • Manners and Control - Special Focus on 'Out'

    • Increasing Distance - Beating the Wind

    • Throwing a Disc for Your Dog

    • Proofing Drills - Manners and Control

    • Troubleshooting: My Dog is Not that Interested in Toys

    • Throwing Rollers for Your Dog
  • 7

    Week 3 - Delivery to Hand, Control and Overs

    • Working on Control Around Toys

    • Delivery to Hand

    • Introduction to Overs
  • 8

    Video Feedback #1

    • *Video Feedback Submission #1

    • Submit Video

    • Student Video Reviews
  • 9

    Week 4 - Troubleshooting

    • ***About Week Three

    • My Dog Plays With/Mouths the Toy/Disc

    • My Dog Comes Back Too Slowly

    • My Dog Returns, but not Directly

    • My Dog Doesn't Want To Release The Toy

    • My Dog Takes Off/Steals the Toy

    • My Dog Goes Out Slowly For The Toy

    • My Dog Drops The Toys Multiple Times On The Return

    • My Dog Can't Switch Between Toys and Discs

    • My Dog Gets Distracted While Retrieving
  • 10

    Tactics

    • About the Tactics

    • Tactic #1 - Let’s Play Ping Pong

    • Tactic #2 - Hit The Jackpot

    • Tactic #3 - The Name Games

    • Tactic #4 - Run Back To Me

    • Tactic #5 - Short And Soooo Sweet

    • Tactic #6 - Hold Me Back Using Restraint

    • Tactic #7 - Hide and seek

    • Tactic #8 - More Is Merrier

    • Tactic #9 - Where’s The Fun At?

    • Tactic #10 - Fully Loaded

    • Tactic #11 - Oh No You Don't

    • Tactic #12 - A Pause In The Action

    • Tactic #13 - Excuse Me, I Think You Dropped That

    • Tactic #14 - All Fired Up

    • Tactic #15 - Working Backwards

    • Tactic #16 - It's Not Over 'Til The Fat Lady Sings

    • Tactic #17 - Loud And Clear

    • Tactic #18 - Paint A Picture

    • Tactic #19 - Become The Rabbit

    • Tactic #20 - Lean On Me

    • Tactic #21 - Bringing Out The Zen Dog

    • Tactic #22 - Reverse Psychology

    • Tactic #23 - Be A Splitter Not A Lumper

    • Tactic #24 - Be A Little Nosey
  • 11

    Zoom Class #4: Monday, August 9th at 5:30 pm ET

    • Monday, August 9th at 5:30 pm ET
  • 12

    Week 5 - Games, Tricks and Freestyle Intro

    • About Week Five

    • Executing the Over With Your Dog

    • The Forehand Disc Throw

    • Forehand Throw - Throwing Drills

    • Multiple Toy/Discs Games

    • Retrieving Tricks

    • Teaching The Dead Retrieve

    • Teaching Your Dog Food Retrieves

    • Teaching Your Dog To Find And Retrieve A Lost Article

    • Teaching Your Dog To Retrieve An Object From A Tight Space

    • Teaching Your Dog To Pick Up Their Toys

    • What About Competing In Disc Dog?

    • What's Disc Freestyle?

    • What's Dock Diving?

    • What's Flyball?
  • 13

    Video Feedback #2

    • Submit Video

    • Video Feedback Submission #2 - EXTENDED!!!

    • Student Video Reviews
  • 14

    Bonus Content: Troubleshooting Guide for Backhand Throws

    • Trouble shooting Backhand Throws (from a right handed perspective)
  • 15

    Zoom Class #5: Wednesday, August 18th at 11 am ET

    • Next Live Zoom Class: Wednesday, August 18th at 11 am ET
  • 16

    BONUS: NEW Office Hours!

    • Added Office Hours: Wednesday, September 29th