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. 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.
The fetch command is one of the basic obedience lessons that can be learned easily by the dog. We know how playful these animals are thus the training will be viewed by the pet as a game. To train the dog to fetch, an owner can take advantage of the dog’s inherent behavior of pleasing its people. Using the dog’s favorite treats will make the training easier as dogs are food motivated.
Start the training by playing with the dog. 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. Because dogs are very playful, they will try to get the ball before you can. 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. Get ready to toss the ball again but don’t forget to praise the dog. Keep on training the dog until it has learned to obey the fetch command. Give a treat and praise the dog.
The reward will entice the dog to obey as it will be associated by the dog to the fetch command. Toss the ball a little farther and give the fetch command. 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 has to understand that a treat will only be received if he returns the ball to you.
Another way of teaching the dog to fetch is to use a toy with an opening where a treat can be placed. Ensure that the treat cannot be easily removed from 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.
Learn more tricks on how to teach a dog to fetch and dog first aid at Sarah’s Dogs.




