Dog Training - Teaching Your Dog How to Fetch
Exercise is not only important for us but also for our dogs. Dogs have a lot of energy and need to burn it off. Playing a game of fetch can often be just what the vet ordered. So, you are ready to bring your furry family member for a game of fetch, but he doesn't quite understand the concept of getting it and bringing it back to you.
The most important things you need to keep in mind when you are teaching your dog anything new is positive reaction (praise) to following your commands, consistency and keep the commands to one word. Be sure that you are not stressing yourself or your dog out over this. It might take some time, but surely your dog will catch on and enjoy himself.
Start off by bringing your dog outside and throwing the ball. He might chase it and then just look at it trying to figure out what will it do now. After you do this a few times your dog should be showing some interest. If not make it look like a lot of fun. Yes, use trickery if you have to!
You should have two of the same items that you are throwing, such as tennis balls. Have your dog sit at your side and show him the ball. Get his interest and then throw it. Don't throw it too far away, just enough that he will need to run a little to examine it and hopefully retrieve it. Drop the leash and say the command "fetch." If your dog comes back empty mouthed then you should repeat the first steps with the second ball.
You will probably have to continue doing this several times until your dog realizes what you are trying to show him to do. So this means you will also be getting a workout. You will have to go and pick up the balls until your dog understands the command given.
If you are feeling like your dog is not going to catch on, you can try the next method. For this you will need to do almost the same thing in the previously mentioned method. The exception will be walking after you say fetch you walk with your dog to the ball. Hopefully, he or she will pick it up. If he does praise him and walk back with the ball to the original location. Repeat this as many times as necessary. Maybe every third time the dog picks up the ball you can give him a treat and praise.
Now that your dog actually understands what you expect of him with that weird command, he should be eager to please you and get the anticipated treat. Soon you will be able to take your dog out and throw the ball further away and have him return it to you. This will give you as well as your dog exercise and quality time together.