Gun dog glossary
This glossary defines the words trainers and hunt test judges use, from force fetch to delivery to hand. Each entry explains the term in plain language and shows where it appears in training and AKC tests.
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Force fetch
Force fetch is a training method that teaches a dog to take, hold and deliver an object on command, whether or not it feels like it.
TermSteadiness
Steadiness is a dog's ability to stay in place, sitting calmly at the line or in the blind, until it is told to go.
TermBlind retrieve
A blind retrieve is a retrieve to a bird the dog did not see fall, directed by the handler's commands.
TermMark
A mark is a retrieve where the dog sees the bird fall and must remember where it landed.
TermHonoring
Honoring is when a dog sits quietly at the line, without breaking, while another dog works.
TermE-collar conditioning
E-collar conditioning is the step-by-step process of teaching a dog what an electronic collar's signals mean before it is used in the field.
TermStarted dog
A started dog is a gun dog that has completed foundation training and basic field work but is not yet polished.
TermFinished dog
A finished dog is a gun dog trained to a high, dependable standard across marks, blinds, steadiness and handling.
TermHunt test
A hunt test is an event where a retriever is judged against a standard, not against other dogs, on realistic hunting tasks.
TermField trial
A field trial is a competition in which retrievers are ranked against one another and the best performances place.
TermLine manners
Line manners are a retriever's calm, controlled behavior at the line while it waits to be sent.
TermHold conditioning
Hold conditioning is training that teaches a dog to keep an object in its mouth calmly and gently until told to release it.
TermCast
A cast is a directional signal, usually a hand motion with a whistle, that sends a dog left, right or back.
TermDouble
A double is a retrieve where two birds fall in view of the dog before it is sent for either.
TermDelivery to hand
Delivery to hand is when a retriever returns with a bird and gives it into the handler's hand without dropping it.
Trainer talk can sound like another language when you are new to it. Each page below gives a short definition, why the skill matters for a California hunting dog, and where you will see it on test day. Start with the term you heard most recently, and follow the links at the bottom of each page to the guides and programs that go deeper.
Where to begin
New to retriever work? Read mark, blind retrieve and steadiness first, since most other terms build on them.
Shopping for a dog or a trainer? Started dog and finished dog explain how those labels are used. Richard Gebhart answers questions on any term when you call.
Sources (2)
- American Kennel Club: akc.org/sports/retrievers/hunting-tests/ (checked October 27, 2026)
- Hastings Island Hunting Preserve: hihp.com/royal-gun-dogs-dog-training/ (checked October 27, 2026)
Your trainer
Richard Gebhart has trained dogs professionally since 2002, learned the Rex Carr method for Retriever Basics under Billy Sargenti, and has run and qualified at an AKC Master National.
Meet RichardWhere Richard trains
Hastings Island Hunting Preserve, 7758 Hastings Island Rd, near Rio Vista in Solano County. Call before you drive out.
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(530) 341-4496- 4.9 12 Google reviews
- Training since 2002