How to train 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. Puppies though are not obtained from the breeder already 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. We know how playful these animals are thus the training will be viewed by the pet as a game. An owner wanting to teach the pet to fetch can take advantage of the dog's inherent eagerness to please. Using the dog's favorite treats will make the training easier as dogs are food motivated.
Play with the dog first before starting the training. Gain the interest of the dog by playing with the ball in front of the pet. Play with the ball, toss and then retrieve. Because dogs are very playful, they will try to get the ball before you can. Toss the ball and at the same time give the fetch command. 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, get the ball and return to your original position. This process must be repeated until the dog has learned to get and return the ball to you. Praise and reward the dog with a treat.
The reward will entice the dog to obey as it will be associated by the dog to the fetch command. To test the dog, give the fetch command and toss the ball farther. The dog will go a little further but may not pick up 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. Just make sure that the dog cannot get the treat inside the toy. The purpose of using a baited toy will be lost if the dog can remove and eat the treat. The dog has to learn that if the baited toy is not returned to the owner, no reward will be received.
Fetch is a simple obedience command that can be easily learned by the dog. We know how playful these animals are thus the training will be viewed by the pet as a game. An owner wanting to teach the pet to fetch can take advantage of the dog's inherent eagerness to please. Using the dog's favorite treats will make the training easier as dogs are food motivated.
Play with the dog first before starting the training. Gain the interest of the dog by playing with the ball in front of the pet. Play with the ball, toss and then retrieve. Because dogs are very playful, they will try to get the ball before you can. Toss the ball and at the same time give the fetch command. 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, get the ball and return to your original position. This process must be repeated until the dog has learned to get and return the ball to you. Praise and reward the dog with a treat.
The reward will entice the dog to obey as it will be associated by the dog to the fetch command. To test the dog, give the fetch command and toss the ball farther. The dog will go a little further but may not pick up 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. Just make sure that the dog cannot get the treat inside the toy. The purpose of using a baited toy will be lost if the dog can remove and eat the treat. The dog has to learn that if the baited toy is not returned to the owner, no reward will be received.
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