Training The Dog To Fetch

Wouldn’t it be nice if you can have the attention of all the gorgeous bikini clad ladies in the beach because your dog retrieves the Frisbee every time you say the word “fetch”? A dog that can fetch will be a joy to play with. Unfortunately, dogs don’t come from breeder already trained to fetch. Even retrievers, the dogs that were specifically bred to retrieve game after the shot have to be trained before they can be useful hunter’s companions.

Dogs are intelligent animals thus teaching them the fetch command would not be too difficult. Dogs are playful animals thus it would not be difficult to get them interested to the training at it will be viewed by the dog as another game. To train the dog to fetch, an owner can take advantage of the dog’s inherent behavior of pleasing its people. Treats can be used to make the dog interested in the training as dogs are noted to be food motivated.

Before you start the training, play with the dog first. Get the dog’s attention by playing with the toy that will be used in the training. Gain the interest of the dog by playing with the ball. Because dogs are very playful, they will try to get the ball before you can. Toss the ball a few feet away and give the fetch command. The dog will touch the ball with its mouth but it will not retrieve. Praise the dog and toss the ball again. Repeat the process until the dog picks up the ball and returns it to you. Every time the dog obeys praise and reward the pet with a treat.

Dogs learn by association thus receiving the treat will be associated with the obeying the fetch command. Take the training to the next level by tossing the ball farther. Although the dog will run after the ball, it is possible that the dog will not return the toy to you. Do not reward the dog with the treat. The dog must understand that a reward is forthcoming only if the ball is fetched.

You can train a dog to fetch by using a toy filled with treats. Just make sure that the dog cannot get the treat inside the toy. Once the dog had removed the treat, it will be eaten and the toy will not be returned to you. The dog has to learn to return the baited toy to you so that you can remove the treat and give it to the dog.

Learn more tricks on how to teach a dog to fetch at Sarah’s Dogs.

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3. Helpful Hints in Dog Training
4. Dog Training Tips
5. Training Principles Of Yorkshire Terriers