How To Teach A Dog To Fetch
06 Sep 2010
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.
The fetch command is one of the basic obedience lessons that can be learned easily by the dog. The dog will probably view the obedience lessons as game because these animals are very playful. 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.
Before you start the training, play with the dog first. If you have decided to use a ball, play with the ball to get the attention of the dog. 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 and at the same time give the fetch command. The dog will touch the ball with its mouth but it will not retrieve. Get ready to toss the ball again but don’t forget to praise the dog. This process must be repeated until the dog has learned to get and return the ball to you. 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 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. 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.
