Training The Dog To Fetch

Are you aware that getting the attention of the sexy ladies on the beach would be a breeze if you have a dog that would play up and deftly catch the Frisbee every time you give the fetch command? A dog that can fetch will be a joy to play with. Unfortunately, dogs don’t come from breeder already trained to fetch. Retrievers are renowned for being an outstanding breed used by hunters to get the game after the shot but these dogs would still have to be trained to fetch. 

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. 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. Gain the interest of the dog by playing with the ball in front of the pet. Toss the ball a few feet away and then retrieve. The dog will surely be enticed to play because dogs are naturally playful. Toss the ball a few feet away and 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. 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. 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. 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. Do not give a treat. The dog has to understand that a treat will only be received if he returns the ball to you.

A treat filled toy can be used to train a dog to fetch. However, be sure that the dog cannot get the treat 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 to return the baited toy to you so that you can remove the treat and give it to the dog.