Teaching Your Gundog the 'Over' Command: A Field Guide to Jumping Obstacles

For a gundog, the field is full of challenges. A downed log, a stone wall, or a wire fence can stand between your dog and a retrieve. The 'Over' command is a non-negotiable tool in your handling kit, teaching your dog to confidently and safely jump an obstacle on command.

Unlike agility, where jumps are standardized, a gundog must learn to assess and clear natural obstacles. This guide will walk you through the process, building a safe, reliable, and confident jump.

Health & Safety First: Before You Begin

This is the most important section. Forcing a jump can lead to injury, while training too early can cause long-term joint damage.

  • Age: Do NOT train jumping with a young puppy. Their growth plates are still developing. Wait until your dog is physically mature, typically between 12-18 months, and get clearance from your vet.

  • Health: Ensure your dog is in good physical condition, with no-pre-existing joint issues (like hip or elbow dysplasia).

  • The Obstacle: Always start low. The obstacle must be stable—a wobbly fence or log can shatter a dog's confidence if it falls.

  • The Surface: Train on a non-slip surface like grass, not wet concrete or slick flooring.

Phase 1: Introducing the Concept (On-Lead)

The goal here isn't height; it's about associating the word "Over" with the action of crossing a barrier.

  1. Start Small: Begin with something incredibly simple, like a board or plank laid flat on the ground, or a very low, solid log. A small, 6-inch agility hurdle is perfect.

  2. Walk With Them: With your dog on a lead, walk briskly towards the obstacle.

  3. Give the Command: Just before you reach it, give a clear, upbeat command: "Over!"

  4. Step Over Together: At first, you should step over the obstacle with your dog. This shows them what to do and builds confidence.

  5. Praise: As soon as all four paws are on the other side, give immediate, enthusiastic praise ("Yes! Good over!").

Repeat this 5-6 times until the dog anticipates the step. Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes).

Phase 2: Building Independence & Height

Now, you will ask the dog to jump, while you stay put.

  1. Handler Stops: Walk your dog (still on lead) towards the same low obstacle.

  2. Point and Command: This time, stop just before the jump. Point to the obstacle and give your "Over!" command. Use the lead to gently guide them forward if needed, but do not pull them over it.

  3. Encourage: Use enthusiastic body language. Your confidence is their confidence.

  4. Praise: The moment they land, praise them heavily.

  5. Increase Height (Slowly!): Only once your dog is 100% confident and happy jumping the small obstacle, you can slightly increase the height. Find a log that is 8-10 inches high. Never raise the height more than a few inches at a time, and never train higher than is practical (e.g., the height of a typical stone wall or fence style).

Phase 3: The Off-Lead and the Retrieve

This is where the gundog application truly begins. Only move to this phase in a safe, enclosed area.

The "Send Over"

  1. Set your dog up in a "Sit" or "Stay" a few feet from the obstacle.

  2. Walk to the other side.

  3. Turn and face your dog. Call their name, point to the jump, and give the "Over!" command.

  4. Praise them massively when they join you. This teaches them to jump away from you and to you.

The "Retrieve Over"

This is the ultimate test and the most practical application for a gundog.

  1. The Memory Retrieve: With your dog in a "Stay," walk to the other side of the obstacle and drop a dummy in plain sight, just a few yards past the jump.

  2. Return to your dog (on the original side).

  3. Point them toward the dummy and send them, using the "Over!" command as they approach the jump.

  4. The Return Jump: The dog should pick up the dummy and return. As they approach the obstacle on the way back, give the "Over!" command again. This is crucial—they must learn to handle the obstacle on both the "out" and "in" of a retrieve.

  5. The Blind Retrieve: As the dog masters this, progress to throwing the dummy over the obstacle while they watch, and finally, to sending them over the obstacle for a "blind" retrieve they haven't seen fall.

Troubleshooting & Key Tips

  • Problem: My dog runs around the obstacle.

    • Solution: This is very common. Make going "over" the easiest option. "Channel" the jump by placing "wings" on either side. You can use garden netting, low chairs, or other visual barriers to create a chute that directs them over the jump.

  • Problem: My dog refuses or hesitates.

    • Solution: You've gone too high, too fast. The dog is not being stubborn; it's scared or confused. Go back a step. Lower the obstacle to something you know they will jump and rebuild their confidence for a session or two before trying again. Never, ever force or drag a dog over a jump.

  • Problem: My dog tries to scramble up it, not over it (common with walls).

    • Solution: This is a different command (often "Up" or "Hup"). If you want a clean jump, the obstacle must be the right height. You may also need to encourage more speed on the approach. For stone walls, many handlers do teach a "Hup" command, where the dog places its front paws on the wall and springs over. Be clear about what you want. "Over" should mean "clear it without touching."

  • Keep it Fun: This is both physically and mentally taxing. Keep sessions short (10 minutes max) and end on a success. If you or the dog gets frustrated, put the lead on and go for a simple walk.

  • Generalize: Once your dog masters one "jump," practice on different things: a log in the woods, a low stone wall, a small ditch, or a collapsed wire fence (ensure it's safe!). Your dog needs to learn that "Over" applies to any obstacle you designate.