Information about AKC Fetch

🐾 Overview

The AKC Fetch Program transforms the familiar game of fetch into a formal training and

titling opportunity that promotes teamwork, exercise, and obedience. It's noncompetitive and

open to all breeds, focusing on fun, skill-building, and bonding between dog and handler.

🎯 Purpose

● To provide physical and mental enrichment for dogs.

● To offer handlers a new, enjoyable way to train and engage with their dogs.

● To prepare dogs to retrieve reliably — even when they can’t see where the object lands

(at higher levels).

🏅 Fetch Title Levels

There are four levels of AKC Fetch titles, each building on the previous, below is a synopsis

of each level and is not an exhaustive list of the requirements of each level.

1. Novice (FTN)

○ Basic retrieving from short distances.

○ Encourages enthusiasm and consistency.

2. Intermediate (FTI)

○ Tests slightly longer retrieves and more control from the dog.

3. Advanced (FTA)

○ Adds more complexity, including retrieves where the object is out of sight (i.e.,

behind a blind).

○ Requires the dog to respond to handler signals and limited verbal direction.

4. Retriever (FTR)

 

○ Highest level of precision.

○ Involves multiple retrieves, hand signals and limited verbal direction, and a

memory component similar to professional retriever work.

To earn each title, the dog must pass the same level twice under two different

AKC-approved Fetch judges.

More information on the levels can be found here: https://www.akc.org/fetch/titles/

🧠 Program Eligibility (to take the tests, not to participate in training)

● Dogs must be at least 6 months old.

● Eligible dogs include those that are:

○ AKC-registered,

○ have an AKC PAL (Purebred Alternative Listing) number, or

○ are enrolled in the AKC Canine Partners program (for mixed breeds).

 

⏰ Sample Class Structure (Fetch 101)

Hour 1: Lecture & Demonstration

● What Fetch is and how it’s structured under AKC.

● How titles are earned at each level.

● Demonstration of retrieving basics.

● Techniques to build drive for the toy or bumper (making your dog want to fetch).

Hour 2: Hands-On Practice

● Work with dogs and handlers together.

● Practice:

○ Sit/stays

○ Short-distance retrieves

○ Basic Novice-level run-throughs

🎒 What Handlers Need to Bring

● Bumper or ball (some provided in class).

○ It’s recommended to eventually use your own, since dogs recognize their scent.

● Training treats (optional, but helpful for motivation).

● Leash and flat buckle collar (safe and simple control).

● Water for the dog and handler.

● Weather-appropriate attire (training may occur outdoors in future classes).

 

Resources:

 

● Videos of examples: https://www.akc.org/fetch/videos/

● Overview of the AKC Fetch Test:

https://www.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Overview-Fetch-Feb-2024-p.pdf

• AKC Fetch Program: https://www.akc.org/fetch/

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About the Instructor:

My name is Katelyn Spooner. I was born and raised in Oregon, but have lived in several

different states across the country. I recently moved back from Colorado in June 2025. I am the

proud owner of three dogs, Doc an 11 year old terrier mix, Bash 6 year old corgi mix, and Flick

my 4 year old border collie. Doc is mostly retired from dog sports but he is how I got started in

Kentucky with barn hunt. He much prefers to live on the property and not go anywhere. My

other two are my sport dogs and have helped me delve into dog sports in various formats. Both Bash and Flick compete and have titles in: Barn Hunt, Fast Cat, Dock Diving, AKC Fetch, Disc, Trick Dog, and my border collie does herding and agility. All of my dogs have been to at least one Dock Diving National and Flick and Bash have been to Barn Hunt Nationals. Flick has

competed at the Border Collie National as well. Bash has competed in Dock Diving on AKC

ESPN TV and was the winner for the Jump for a Million in Las Vegas this last August. I am a

Barn Hunt judge and am working on earning my Fetch judge certification. Colorado was where I was first introduced to AKC Fetch and I have been able to take my two younger dogs to the

highest title of Retriever. I have found that Fetch is a great confidence building game to play with your dog and to have fun. It is also a great game for those who have accessibility needs. I’m looking forward to bringing this fun game to the Pacific Northwest.