If Fetch is a Game, Why Does My Dog Make Me Do All the Work?

Fetch can be a great form of exercise and is an easy way to get your dog moving, especially if your time or mobility is limited. But what if your dog isn’t a natural retriever and prefers to turn the game into a “come chase me” situation instead?

How to train it:

Not all dogs instinctively know how to fetch. The key is to start at your dog’s starting point, whatever that may be. When you throw a ball (stick, etc.), do they show interest? Chase it? Pick it up? Pick it up and move? Either way, we have a three-step process on how you can train it!

• Step 1. If your dog so much as looks at the ball, mark it with a “Yes!” or a click, then give a treat. Repeat this until they consistently respond to the ball’s presence with interest.

• Step 2. Now hold off and wait to say yes and treat (or click and treat) until your dog does just a bit more. If they were previously picking up the ball but then dropping it, wait until she takes at least one step before dropping it.
• Step 3. Reward each new level of fetch progress until you get it consistently—at least 4 out of 5 trials—before you move to a new level.

Here’s how the steps break down:

• Showing interest in the ball (or other object)
• Chasing the ball
• Nosing or mouthing the ball
• Picking up the ball
• Picking up the ball and moving
• Picking up the ball and moving toward you
• Picking up the ball and bringing it to you
• Picking up the ball, bringing it to you, and dropping it for you

Common fetch problems and how to fix them:

• Problem: My dog drops the ball before reaching me
  • Solution: Shorten the distance. Start with just a 2-foot retrieve and gradually increase the distance once your dog is reliably bringing it back.
• Problem: My dog thinks keep-away is more fun than fetch
  • Solution: Don’t chase your dog. Try using two balls to keep them engaged. When they pick up the first one and hesitate, show them the second ball. Most dogs will drop the first ball to chase the second, and you can reward them when they come back.
• Problem: My dog never gets tired and wants to play fetch nonstop.
  • Solution: Engaging your dog’s brain along with their body will leave them more satisfied and help prevent endless energy buildup! Mix in self-control and thinking games during fetch. Instead of playing nonstop back-and-forth, add short pauses where your dog has to sit, wait, or do a quick trick before you throw the ball.

Most importantly, be patient and have fun! Fetch should feel like a game, not a test. Keep sessions short and upbeat.

Have other Canine Training questions? Visit our Canine Training page to learn about our classes and private consultations.