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Fetch is one of the most popular ways to play with your dog. It’s great exercise for your pup, and a tired dog makes for a better behaved and happier dog! Fetch is also a fantastic way to exercise your dog if your time or personal mobility is limited. Think of it as a lawn-chair game: it can be done sitting down. But, what if your dog isn’t a natural retriever and gives you the “you expect me to chase that?” look?
How to Train Fetch:
Not all dogs naturally know how to play fetch. The key is beginning at their starting point. When you throw a ball (stick, etc.), do they show interest? Are they picking it up or picking it up and moving? It’s okay if they don’t chase the ball, pick it up and then come back right away. Whatever your dog’s starting point is, begin from there!
Three Training Steps:
- Mark your dog’s starting point with a “Yes” or click and treat. Do this until they start to understand the game and look for a reward.
- Now hold off and wait to say yes and treat until they do just a bit more. If they were previously picking up the ball and then dropping it, wait until they take a step before dropping it.
- Reward each new level of progress until you get it consistently (at least 4 out of 5 times) before you move to a new level.
The Steps Playing of Fetch:
- 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
Training Tips and Troubleshooting:
- If your dog is dropping the ball early on the way back to you, shorten the distance of the retrieve until it’s short enough that your dog brings the ball all the way back to you. If need be, start with a two-foot mini retrieve and build from there.
- If your dog decides that playing keep-away is more than fetch, don’t chase them! Simply end the game and try again later. Eventually they will learn that running off with the ball doesn’t lead to a reward.
- Wait to treat your dog until she is all the way back to you, and always give the treat right in front of yourself at knee level. This will encourage them to come all the way and drop the ball in front of you.
- If your dog isn’t particularly interested in the ball (stick, etc.), try playing peek-a-boo with it, shaking it, or moving it to make it more interesting.
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.
