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How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch

How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch

How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch

While there are some dogs that just seem to intrinsically understand the game and will automatically chase and retrieve whatever object you use the first time you try, most do not. Either they sit and stare at you, wondering why you would choose to throw away a perfectly good toy, or they chase after the object but don’t “catch” it, or bring it back.

Fetch is a great form of both mental and physical exercise. When structured properly, it’s also a terrific way to practice impulse control and consistent obedience. Structured inappropriately, it can turn into a fun game (for your dog, that is) of keep away! Follow these steps to develop a fantastic fetcher!

Start with chasing
If your dog is of the “sit and stare” variety, your first goal is to teach him to chase after the object you want him to fetch. Generally speaking, there are three ways to do this, depending upon what motivates your pup: you can offer him affection, treats, or play for retrieving the chosen object.

Whichever motivator you use, the process is basically the same. Encourage your dog to go after the item you want him to fetch. When he grabs it, reward him with his motivator of choice, then take the object away. Repeat this a few times, then toss the object a short distance. When he goes for it, immediately reward him again. Repeat the process until you can reliably toss the object and get him to chase it.

Supplies
1. Two balls (or two of the same objects).

2. A long line or flexi-leash (this is one of the only times I think about using a flexi; never for walking my dog because they are so dangerous!).

3. Plan to practice in 5 to 15 minutes sessions to begin.

Add extra motivation
Want to encourage her to give chase even more? Try holding her back after throwing the toy. She’ll naturally tug against you, especially if you offer verbal encouragement while still holding her back. Once you finally let go, she’ll be after the object like a rocket.

Retrieving
After your dog chases the object, the next step is getting him to actually bring it back to you. There are a number of different things you can do depending on your dog’s behavior. If he won’t bring the object back at all, it can help to use a second toy. Once he’s “caught” the first one, show him the second and throw it in the opposite direction. He probably won’t carry the first toy with him, but it will at least get him accustomed to the idea of running back to you after he’s caught the object.



After he masters this, try calling him to come back to you while he’s holding the object and asking him to drop it. If you show the second object, he’ll likely drop the first one to chase after it. Eventually, he’ll learn that if he comes back to you and drops the object, you’ll throw it again.

Getting Started
1. Attach your dog to a long line or flexi-leash. This will prohibit your dog from grabbing the ball and dashing off away from you. It will also keep him closer and more attentive to you, making for more efficient training sessions.

2. Take out and show your dog one ball. If necessary, wave the ball around a bit to excite him (but skip the waving if your dog is a ball nut).

3. Cue your dog to “sit.”

4. As soon as your dog sits, say, “yes!” and toss the ball 4 to 5 feet from you. By keeping the distance short, you are able to practice a high number of repititions in a shorter timeframe and thus teach this behavior more efficiently.

5. When your dog collects the ball, calmly praise him, turn your body sideways, slap your thighs and move away a little bit. Encourage your dog to follow/come back to you. (Turning sideways and moving away actually encourages dogs to come, so this is important!)

6. As your dog is coming back to you, get your second ball out, but keep it from your dog’s view. If your dog does not drop the first ball upon returning, present the second ball. Your dog will release ball one for ball two!

7. As soon as your dog releases the ball from his mouth, say “yes” and toss the ball in your hand 4 to 5 feet from you.

8. As your dog is running after that ball, pick up the first ball.

9. Repeat steps 5 through 8 again and again!

Avoiding “keep away.”
For dogs that like to catch the object and run off with it, a rope can help. Once she catches the object, wriggle the line and pull it towards you or run away from your dog with it. This should encourage her to follow you. Even if she doesn’t, reel the rope in and praise her when she gets close, then toss the object again and repeat. Do this for a few weeks and your pup should come to you naturally.

Getting Rid Of The Second Ball
1. After a few sessions, instead of presenting the second ball to elicit your dog to drop the first ball, just wait your dog out. When your dog comes back to you with ball in mouth, just stand there and look at or away from your dog. Don’t talk, just wait! It might take a few seconds or longer. WAIT!

2. When he/she drops the ball, immediately throw the second ball. You are now teaching your dog that by dropping the ball he earns the presentation and toss of the second ball. His actions (dropping the ball) have good consequences (another opportunity to chase the ball!).

3. After a few sessions, and once your dog is reliably coming back and automatically dropping the ball upon return, you can stop using the second ball

Getting the object back
If your dog stops and drops the object before reaching you, back away while saying “All the way,” or “Bring it.” Once he reaches the spot where you were originally located, go to him and offer praise, then toss the object again. If the issue is that he won’t let go, tell him to drop it and put a treat by his nose. Most dogs will drop the object to go for the treat.

Advancing Your Fetch Skills
1. Begin to increase the distance that you are throwing the ball.

2. Remove the leash only once you know that your dog will safely return to you.

3. Begin adding obedience commands in between each repetition: cuing your dog to sit or down in between each toss. Your dog is now “earning” and being rewarded with each and every toss.

Pick something your dog likes
Perhaps the most important rule of all — your dog isn’t going to chase after something unless she actually wants it, so feel free to experiment with different objects (balls, Frisbees, sticks) until you find one that she’s interested in.

What tricks can your dog do? Brag about your pooch's skills in the comments.

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