How To Train A Dog To Fetch
Introduction
Whether you’re training a puppy to fetch or teaching an older dog, this method is the surest way to ensure your dog will be bringing you any object on command in no time. Remember, even though dogs can be fast learners, they are learning from us and take time to fully grasp anything new. So follow these steps carefully, practice often and patiently with your best friend, and they’ll have no problem learning how to fetch whatever you throw!
1. Pick an easily retrievable toy
- Pick an easily retrievable toy
The first step in teaching a dog to fetch is to select a toy that’s easy for the dog to pick up and bring back. If you’re working with a puppy, choose something soft and small like a stuffed animal or squeaky toy. If you’re working with an older dog, try using a ball or Kong Classic toy stuffed with treats (this helps make it more interesting while also ensuring that they’ll only want to chew on the toy during training). It may take your pup some time before they figure out how to pick up their new retrieval item, so be patient!
2. Get your dog excited about the toy
- You’re not going to just hand your dog a ball and expect them to fetch it without any training.
- To get your dog excited about the toy, use your voice. When you’re holding their new toy, talk to them in a high-pitched, happy voice. Use this same excited tone when encouraging them to fetch the toy from you and bring it back when they drop it
3. Say “fetch”, and throw the toy a short distance
Now that your dog has learned to bring you the toy, you can start getting her to return it. Start by saying “fetch” before throwing the toy a short distance. If she doesn’t fetch it immediately, give her time to do so and keep encouraging her with words like “come on girl” or “good girl”. If she still doesn’t fetch after 30 seconds or so, go get the toy yourself and encourage her again by showing it off in front of her nose.
4. If she doesn’t fetch, go get it and encourage her to take it again
Once your dog realizes that she can’t get away with not retrieving, she’ll start to cooperate. But if she doesn’t fetch, go get it and encourage her to take it again. After all, you’ve got a lifetime of retrieving practice ahead of you!
5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until she gets the hang of it
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 until she gets the hang of it. If your dog doesn’t go get the ball, go get it yourself, but don’t give up! Just put the ball on the floor and encourage her to take it again.
- When she does fetch for you, be sure to praise her enthusiastically!
6. Throw the toy further each time
- Throw the toy further each time
This is a very important step, as you don’t want to throw too far and frustrate your dog, but you also don’t want to throw it too short or make the game boring for them. A good rule of thumb is that if you can reach out and touch the ball after throwing it, then it’s probably too short. If you can only touch it with your fingertips, then it’s probably too long. On this note: don’t make any sudden movements while throwing either! Dogs are quick learners and they will adjust quickly if they know that something doesn’t work well (like when they’re not being rewarded).
7. Say “fetch” and toss the toy further each time, encouraging her to bring it back to you until she’s fetched from long distances too
- Say “fetch” and toss the toy further each time, encouraging her to bring it back to you until she’s fetched from long distances too.
By this point, your dog will be able to fetch anything you want them to! You can train them to fetch from any distance at all—even farther than what they’re used to already.
You can train your dog to fetch anything you want them to!
- Training your dog to fetch* is a great way to create a fun and enriching activity for you and your pet.
Conclusion
Teaching your dog to fetch is an easy and fun way to help them exercise their energy. All you need is a little bit of patience, some positive reinforcement, and the willingness to get down on the floor with them for a while. By following these steps, you’ll be able to teach your dog this exciting trick in no time at all!