No. I am a dumbell about dumbells. I did train Arwen to retrieve it, that was about eight years ago and it was kind of a compulsive thing that was suggested. I did not like it, and she did not. We did not do good with it, and I would never suggest anyone else teach a dog like that. (No, I did not pinch her ear, but it was suggested.)
If I had to do it again, I would play ball with the dog, fetch or whatever word I would use in the ring. Then I would get really really good with the ball, and have her sit in front, and teach her to wait, and give it.
Then I would repeat with a squeaky toy, until with the same words she would do the same thing.
Then I would do the dumbell. I would only practice with the dumbell a few times and then go in the ring with her. I think I would teach her to go over the jump with the large squeaky toy. And then sub in the dumbell. I would get really excited and pull out the squeaky toy and throw it a few times when she does it really good.
That is what I think I would do, I never did this in the ring yet though. Maybe someone has a better way or can find flaws in what I would do. And as I might go to that level with one of my up and coming dogs, I would be interested in this.