How To Teach A 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”? It would certainly be lots of fun to play with a dog that can fetch. To be able to have these fun moments, dogs need to be trained to fetch. A retriever is a breed highly valued by hunters to get the game after the shot but the retrieving ability is not innate as these dogs have to undertake training before they can be useful hunter’s companions.
Fetch is a simple obedience command that can be easily learned by the dog. The dog will probably view the obedience lessons as game because these animals are very playful. The dog’s inherent eagerness to please can be used by a dog owner to train the pet to fetch . Treats can be used to make the dog interested in the training as dogs are noted to be food motivated.
Play with the dog first before starting the training. If you have decided to use a ball, play with the ball to get the attention of the dog. Play with the ball, toss and then retrieve. The dog will surely be enticed to play because dogs are naturally playful. Toss the ball again and give the “Fetch” command and let the dog go after the ball this time. The dog will run after the ball, touch the ball with its mouth but don’t expect the dog to return the ball to you. Praise the dog and toss the ball again. Repeat the process until the dog picks up the ball and returns it to you. Give a treat and praise the dog.
The reward will be associated by the dog to obeying the fetch command. Take the training to the next level by tossing the ball farther. The dog may run after the ball but it may not pick the ball. Refrain from giving the dog a treat. The dog has to understand that a treat will only be received if he returns the ball to you.
You can train a dog to fetch by using a toy filled with treats. However, be sure that the dog cannot get the treat from 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 that if the baited toy is not returned to the owner, no reward will be received.
Learn more tricks on how to teach a dog to fetch and dog first aid at Sarah’s Dogs.