the fetch command creates one of those great interactive games that come naturally to both the dog and the owner. It’s a good outlet for tension helps get rid of excess energy and a great way for you both to bond.
Some dogs, particularly those that have been rescued, do not know how to play because they’ve never had a childhood (or is it puppy hood?) and will either not respond or will take the ball and start chewing on it. This was true of Jasper but for the majority, its great fun and they love it!!!!
To get to the stage where your dog is going to chase after whatever you have thrown and return it may take some time but, as with all of our exercises, if we take it slowly and build on his successes we should end up with a good, fun behavior.
The fetch command in easy 5 steps.
If your dog has a favorite toy amongst all those toys that you have given him, (hint, hint) we want to use that as the incentive. If his favorite is a squeaky toy, so much the better, as this will really get his attention. You may also need some small treats.
We’ll start off somewhere away from distractions where you can sit on the floor with your dog. Show him the toy and toss it a short distance that is still within your reach and let puppy pounce on it. You can give lots of encouragement, after all this is a game. As soon as the puppy grabs the toy, you need to take it from him and say good boy or thank you and give lots of fuss. Then throw it again for him.
If puppy dog won’t let go, you may need to start waving a treat in front of his nose and wait till he drops the toy. Pick up the toy and hold it and the treat in front of you then give him the treat in exchange. Try not to use treats unless absolutely necessary.
Keep this game to short 5 or 6 minute sessions and practice it 2 or 3 times a day. If you have not been giving treats as part of the exercise, give him a treat at the end of the session.
We will continue this game but now we can start throwing a further distance. Each time you throw it, use the fetch command. Give lots of encouragement all the time and continue to say good boy or thank you each time he gives you the toy. He is now associating fetch with the object you are throwing and thank you with putting the toy in your hand. If he doesn’t bring the toy back to you, do not go and retrieve it yourself.
If he has it in his mouth and won’t come to you with it, don’t go after him. Sit and wait for him to bring it to you. After a minute, if he still hasn’t brought it to you get up and leave the room. Do not make a fuss and do not give him a treat. If he now runs after you and you are able to take it, do say by saying thank you. Give the treat and end the game. You can go back to using the fetch command later.
We want to start using different toys so that he doesn’t get used to only associating the game with one toy. If you are able to start using the ball in the room that you are in without causing damage, do so because the ball is the object he is going to be fetching in the park. Take the training outside and as he gets better at returning the ball, increase the distance.
So far he has run after the ball as soon as you have thrown it. Now we want him to retrieve it. Before you throw the ball, get him to sit and with one arm gently round him, show it to him, throw it and then give him the fetch command as you let him go. Give him lots of good boys or thank you’s when he retrieves it. As he improves, increase the time before you release him and say fetch.
Start using odd objects such as a gardening trowel if you’re a gardener. I do this all the time and my youngest dog is now my helper in the garden and will pick up anything I point at even if I didn’t throw it just by saying fetch.
