When learning how to teach your dog the fetch command, consider every step something to teach them. It is important to remember that fetch is a game, so consider whether it is worth your time and energy to try to get your dog interested in fetch. There are alternative forms of exercise such as tug-of-war, or mental enrichment tasks that your dog may enjoy more.
Fetch is a great way to get your dog to exercise and burn excess energy, so they get the sleep they need. Plus, it will keep them mentally stimulated and strengthen your bond together. So, follow these steps in your training sessions, encourage and praise your dog along the way, and remember that playing fetch is all about having fun!
Why Play Fetch?
- It is highly rewarding = Fetch stimulates the reward regions of a dog’s brain, so it feels good to play!
- It boosts your bond with your dog = Playing fetch is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some one-on-one time with your dog, which reinforces the bond you share.
- It helps with training = If your dog loves playing fetch, it can play an important part in your recall training.
What You Will Need to Teach Your Dog to Fetch
- Your chosen fetch toy, for example, a ball or rope.
- Training treats
- A treat pouch (this is helpful if you don’t want your pockets to smell)
- A clicker or marker word, such as ‘yes!’ or ‘fetch!’
Step 1: Start in an Enclosed Space
Staying in an enclosed space, like a hallway or fenced backyard during the early days of teaching a dog to fetch, means that your dog has nowhere else to go and will help them remain focused. It also means that there are fewer places for them to take their object instead of bringing it back to you.
Step 2: Introduce the Toy
Once you have picked out a good toy, introduce it to your dog, so they start to get excited about playing fetch.
- Place the toy near you and as your dog gets close to it, click or say ‘yes!’, praise and give a treat.
- If they touch their nose to the toy, click, praise heavily, and give treats.
- Continue this process until your dog likes to interact with the toy.
You can increase the excitement over the toy by moving it around for your dog to chase it or play tug with it. It all depends on what your dog finds fun.
Step 3: Teach Your Dog to Chase The Toy
Simply throw the toy a short distance and encourage your dog to chase after it. Many dogs are programmed to chase after a thrown object, there isn’t much you will have to do aside from throwing the toy.
Top Tip: Always keep the fetch toy in your dog’s line of sight and within reach so they don’t lose interest.
Step 4: Get Your Dog to Return the Toy
Once your dog is consistently chasing after their toy, you can move on to one of the trickier parts, which is getting your god to return it back to you. We recommend breaking dog the fetch commands into three parts, and then repeating the process:
- Throw = Throw the toy a short distance.
- Call Your Dog Back = Using positive reinforcement and an excited tone, call your dog back to you, using the same word each time. This could be ‘come’ or ‘bring’.
- Reward = Once your dog comes back to you, reward them with happy expressions, belly rubs or a treat.
You want to repeat this process to give them a chance to learn the cues and understand there’s a reward for bringing back the toy.
Step 5: Teach Your Dog the ‘Drop It’ Command
Once your dog returns the ball to you, put your hand below their mouth with your palm facing up and say the command ‘drop it’. They will probably not understand right away but don’t worry. Keep repeating this process until the toy is released. If your dog runs away, you need to repeat the whole process again, so it will take some patience and practise, however, they will eventually understand.
Ensure to give your dog praise and a treat once the toy is released without struggle.
Step 6: Throw the Toy Again – Rinse & Repeat
Part of the joy of learning how to teach a dog to fetch is that it is a game. It needs to be repeated constantly. We recommend allocating at least 5 or 10 minutes to consistent playtime, so your dog will better associate returning the ball with having more fun.
Things to Avoid Whilst Teaching Your Dog to Fetch
- Don’t Scold = Always use positive reinforcement during training sessions, which means rewarding your dog for positive behaviour, versus scolding them for doing something incorrectly.
- Don’t Push = Be aware of your dog’s physical limitations.
- Don’t Practise in Unsafe Spaces = Always play fetch in a safe space.
Dog Training With A&T Trained Dogs
Training can be overly time-consuming and hard to fit into your busy schedule, or previous attempts may not have been as effective as you’d have hoped. This is where a trainer can step in and help! Our specialist team can help build your confidence and train your dog, no matter their age or temperament.
With extensive facilities and experience, our team will make a bespoke dog training plan for your dog and give you a thorough handover to extend into the home. Contact us online or call us on 01524 587 315.
