General Info
WMDS will be hosting a Fetch workshop in September and an AKC Fetch Test in October!
Totally new to this sport? Come to our workshop to learn all about the rules of Fetch and try a practice run.
Fetch Workshop
Sept 20th, 2025
9 am – Noon
$30 – 20 dog limit
AKC Fetch Test
October 5th, 2025
Novice and Intermediate levels
2 tests, 2 judges
$25 entry fee per test
$30 day of show
Limit of 40 entries per test
Cedar Animal Hospital
3705 Gentle Way, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
These events will be held outdoor in a fully fenced in field. We will continue rain or shine, so dress appropriately for the weather.
Registration
The workshop and test have different sign up methods, be sure to check which one you are signing up for!
Workshop
The Fetch Workshop will be held Saturday, September 20th at 9am until noon. The cost is $30 per dog. Spots are limited to 20 dogs.
If you’d like to claim a spot in our workshop please email [email protected] and ask to be added to the list. Please also provide the following information:
Your Name
Your Dog’s Name
Phone number (to contact for emergencies or cancelations)
Payment is by cash or check (bring it to the workshop) or via Paypal for an additional $2 processing fee.
AKC Fetch Test
The AKC Fetch Test will be held Sunday, October 5th at Cedar Springs Animal Hospital.
Cost: $25 pre-entry or $30 day of event (please note if you earn a title that AKC does charge a recording fee to have titles recorded)
Entry Method: Fill out pages 6-7 in the premium and mail to Ellie Brand at 731 Livingstone AVE NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 along with your entry fee OR enter online at https://wmdsfetch.as.me
Schedule: Dogs will run in 2 groups.
Group A: Trial 1 from 9 – 10:30 am and Trial 2 from 10:30 – noon
Group B: Trial 1 from 1 – 2:30 pm and Trial 2 from 2:30 – 4 pm.
Groups will be assigned first come, first serve, based on availability. Preferences will be taken into consideration, but group placements are not guaranteed. A final schedule will be emailed to entrants prior to the event.
What is AKC Fetch?
AKC Fetch is a pass-fail, non-competative test to judge your dog’s retrieving skills. There are four levels (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Retriever) and the challenge gets increasingly harder with each level. If your dog passes the test at any level twice under two different AKC Fetch judges, they will be eligible for a title! (Titles can be submitted via the application portal, AKC does charge a recording fee). We are offering Novice and Intermediate tests.
In Novice your dog must retrieve a ball, retrieving bumper, or toy that has been thrown 30ft. Your dog must pass through 4 distractions to get the object and bring it back to you. You will repeat this 3 times. Once to the left, once to the right, and once to the center.
In Intermediate your dog must retrieve a ball, retrieving bumper, or toy that has been thrown 50ft. Your dog must pass through 8 distractions to get the object and return it back to you. You will repeat this 4 times. Once to the left, once to the center, once to the right, then once either left or right (handler’s choice).
Want to learn more?
The Judges!
A big round of applause for our amazing judges!
F.A.Q
If you have any questions not answered here, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask!
The premium is a document that contains all the important info for the trial including the fees, opening/closing date, what is being offered, info on prizes, parking, and even nearby hotels. Importantly, the premium is also where you will find the entry form and instructions on how to enter. Usually the entry form is at the end, but not always.
To earn a title, your dog must pass two times at two separate events (different event numbers, can be the same day) under 2 different judges. Dogs start at Novice and must ear the Novice title before progressing to the next level, and so on.
To have your title recorded with AKC you must submit a title application and pay AKC’s recording fee. After a successful test you will receive a copy of the AKC Fetch Judge Checklist and you will upload a photo of that document when you apply at https://www.apps.akc.org/title-application-portal/.
You do not need to immediately submit a title. You also do not need to submit a title if you don’t want to, but it will not be recorded on your dog’s official registration.
You will earn a 2×8 inch flat ribbon for passing each test. This will be presented to you at the completion of your testing.
We have title rosettes. If you earn a new title during our trial, let us know and we can get you one as well as the appropriate level tab. Please don’t forget! We have no way of knowing you earned a title otherwise.
Once you register your title with AKC (https://www.apps.akc.org/title-application-portal/) they will mail you a title certificate when it is processed.
Dogs must be registered or enrolled with AKC and have an AKC, PAL or AKC Canine Partners number.
Mixed breed dogs (or what AKC calls “All American” dogs) can be registered with AKC’s Canine Partners program so they can participate and earn titles in AKC sports. Canine Partner dogs must be sterilized before they can participate in an AKC event. This includes alternate forms of spay/neuter such as a vasectomy, as long as they are permanent and irreversible.
If your dog is not AKC registered by the date of the Fetch test, we can provide an enrollment application form. There is a one time enrollment fee of $45 which is separate from your entry fees.
No, practice tests are now allowed on the same day as a Fetch Test. If you want to practice before the test, please join us for our Workshop on September 20th. See the entry information above or email [email protected]
Yes! The coloring must not cover more than one-third of the dog’s coat. Colored markings on a dog must not be in poor taste and cannot contain profanity or conflict with a sponsor of a trial. It is the responsibility of the judge to decide if the coloring is acceptable.
Want to see more events in the future?
Consider donating to WMDS!
West Michigan Dog Sports is a 401c3 non-profit entirely run by volunteers. We rely on your donations to buy things like equipment, insurance, and website hosting. Your support enables us to offer more access to dog sports in our community!
We truly can’t do it without you!
