Fetching is not only a fun game, but also a great exercise for your dog. Some dogs tend to bring something back by instinct, while for others it will take a lot of training before chasing, catching and dropping something on command.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Teach Your Dog to Retrieve
Step 1. Choose an object that your dog likes
Try different toys until you find the one she fetches most eagerly. Avoid all small toys your dog might swallow. The most common objects are:
- Tennis balls.
- Legnetti.
- Frisbee.
- Toys that make noise.
- Rubber toys.
- If your dog isn't interested in any of these, try dipping a tennis ball or stuffed toy in chicken broth.
Step 2. Use the toy to get the dog's attention, then throw it close to you
As soon as the dog grabs it, take it out of its mouth and replace it with a treat.
- If the dog does not let go of the game, use a reward to make him leave it.
- Do this exercise for 2-3 days in small intervals.
- If your dog shows no interest in running after the toy, try playing tug of war to get his attention.
- If your dog doesn't like tug-of-war, use a reward to encourage him. Give him food if he moves into the game, touches it, and some additional reward if he takes it.
Step 3. Associate a word with the toy release
When you take the toy from the dog, you have to say "Leave" or "Thank you" and then give him a reward. Keep practicing this way until your dog releases the toy just by hearing the command.
Step 4. Increase the throw distance of the toy
Start slowly, one step at a time. Always tell him the command word and reward him every time he successfully retrieves the toy.
- If your dog doesn't bring the toy back, don't chase it. Wait for him to bring him back and then give him a reward. Let him know that the game only continues if he brings the toy back.
- Try running away when he brings the toy back. Dogs love chasing, so he'll run after you. Try to encourage him to run even faster.
- If your dog refuses to bring the game back, stop playing and try again the next day. Next time throw the toy closest to you.
Step 5. Try different distances, toys and places, finally move outside
Whenever you change any detail, start from a short distance and then gradually increase it.
- Remember to give your dog the reward only if he returns the toy successfully.
- Gradually, you can eliminate the food.
- Finish the exercise by letting the dog want to play again. This will prevent him from getting tired of the game.
Method 2 of 3: Teach the Dog to Retrieve the Toy
Step 1. Be patient
Your dog may be great at fetching at home, but especially outdoors many dogs prefer to hang around with the toy or purposely keep it away from you rather than bring it back. He may be jealous of his toy, or he may love being chased. Either way, with a little practice, your dog will learn to pick it up and bring it back.
Step 2. Use two toys
Throw one, and when your dog catches it, show him the other and throw it. While he's chasing him, grab the first toy.
- Continue with this exercise until he has learned to take it and bring it back to you.
- Finally, you can call your dog without showing him the second toy. If it comes to you say "Leave" and show him the second toy.
- When the dog releases the toy on command, you can take out the second toy.
Step 3. Tie a string around the toy
When your dog catches him, pull the rope and run away encouraging him to follow you.
- If he follows you, give him a reward.
- If your dog still runs away, pull the rope and when he approaches give him a reward and praise him.
- Don't pull the game right away. Let your dog chew it when he brings it back to you. You must ensure that he does not feel threatened to lose the toy after he brings it back to you.
- After a few weeks of exercise, your dog will stop running away with the toy.
Method 3 of 3: Teach the Dog to Leave the Toy Near You
Step 1. Don't give up
Many dogs are great at picking up a toy, but sometimes they may refuse to leave it, or leave it too far away, or still drop it and pick it up when you get close. With a lot of patience, get your dog to practice leaving the toy at your feet.
Step 2. Use the rewards to get him to leave the game near you
You have to say "Leave" and put the reward food in front of his nose. This way, even the most stubborn dog will let go of the toy.
- If your dog still won't let him go, try a more irresistible reward food, like a piece of meat or some cheese.
- At the end of the workout, you will no longer have to feed him, but give him a reward every now and then.
Step 3. Walk far away to let him know he has to leave the game near you
Before your dog leaves the game, you need to say "Bring him here" and move. When he reaches you, issue the "Release" command and approach him to take the game. It may take a few weeks for your dog to learn how to bring the toy to you.
Step 4. Use the "Sit" and "Stay" commands to prevent your dog from picking up the toy when you reach it
Tell him to sit and still when he leaves the game. If he tries to catch it when you get down, you have to say "No" or "Uh, uh" and get up. By the end of the exercise, your dog will have realized that if he wants to continue playing, he will have to sit and still while you retrieve the game.
While still in the "Stay" position, before throwing the toy again, say "Ok" to release it
Advice
- Be patient, as not all dogs learn fetch quickly - and even those who do often need encouragement at times.
- It is much easier to teach a puppy to retrieve, although adult dogs can learn it too.
- The exercise to learn the carry takes time. Try to do this several times a day. Be prepared to practice for any transition from a few days to a week.
