How To Train A Dog To Fetch

Introduction

For some breeds, learning to fetch is an innate feature of the DNA, these dogs don't really need to be trained they just learn to fetch naturally. For other dogs, learning to fetch may be one of the hardest tricks that you teach your dog. Some dogs naturally bring back their sticks, some chase the sticks and then drop them as soon as they pick them up, others don't even bother chasing sticks, and you will have a hard time teaching them to fetch. Using the following steps, you should be able to teach all but the most unenthused dog how to fetch.

Instructions

Difficulty—From easy to hard (depending on the dog)

Steps

Step 1: Find your dog's favorite toy. One of the keys to teaching a dog to fetch is to use something that they care about as the object of the fetch. Pay attention to your dog's toy choices because they will change from time to time. Figure out which toy is your dog's favorite. It's great if you can introduce toys that squeak or make noise when they move. If your dog's favorite toy makes noise, the noise will help them pay attention when you throw it. Ropes and tug toys are often favorite toys but they aren't the best for fetch training because dogs are usually accustomed to pulling on the toy. You want the dog to release the toy willingly without having to play tug-of-war to get it.

Step 2: Use a long leash. After you find your dog's favorite toy, you will need to put a long leash on your dog. Fetch training will not work unless the dog can run after the toy and can be retrieved without you chasing after it. The only way to meet these two conditions is by using a long leash. The leash should be at least eight feet long but the longer, the better, especially if your dog doesn't take to fetching right away.

Step 3: Use treats and make sure that you have your dog's attention. This is a little tricky cause you want to get the dog's focus on the fetching object, the treat, and on you, all at the same time. Because puppies don't have the longest attention span, especially for taxing exercises like fetching, you will only want to practice a couple of times per session. Try to terminate the session before losing the dog's attention so that they will always be eager to "play".

Step 4: Fetch. Now that you have a toy, a leash, a treat, and your dog's attention, you are ready to practice fetching. Hold the puppy on a tight leash, wag the toy in front of the dog and then toss it a few feet away. Say, "fetch" and let the dog run after the toy. Once the dog has the treat, you should use the leash to draw the dog (with the toy) back to you. Once the dog is within arm's length, offer the treat and say, "give", while you take the toy from the dog's mouth. You need to be careful that you aren't fighting with the dog for the toy. They need to be able to distinguish "fetching" from other kinds of play, like when it is appropriate to tug and fight for a toy.

Step 5: Praise. After the dog has release the toy, give her the treat and plenty of praise. You want to use "good dog" and plenty of petting to get the idea across that she has done what you wanted her to do. Repeat steps four and five until you feel like your dog might be getting tired of the game.

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