Step 1: Introduce the Fetch Toy
Once you’ve picked out a good toy, introduce it to your dog so they start to get excited about fetch. Place the toy near you. As your dog gets close to it, praise, and give a treat. If they touch their nose to the toy, praise heavily, and give treats. Continue this process until your dog reeeally likes the toy.
Step 2: Move the Fetch Toy Around
Now that your dog is starting to figure out that touching the fetch toy means treats, start moving it around so they have to move to get to it. Don’t throw the toy yet, or even move it very far. Simply hold the toy in slightly different positions — at arm’s length — and encourage your dog to touch it. Each time they touch the toy, give a treat, and praise.
Continue this little dance until you’re sure the behaviour has stuck.
Step 3: Get Your Dog to Grab the Fetch Toy
Now it’s time to start rewarding your dog when they actually grab the toy with their mouth. This can take a little patience on your part. The key is to watch your dog’s behaviour and reward when it starts to look like the behaviour you want.
Place the toy on the ground at about arm's length. If your dog moves from touching their nose to the toy and begins using their mouth, it's time to, praise them. Each time they get a little closer to biting the toy, continue to reward. If and when they pick up the toy with their mouth, act like it’s the best thing you’ve ever seen (and don’t forget to give praise). Remember that your dog will be looking to you for reassurance that they’re on the right track
Step 4: Play Little Games of Indoor Fetch
At this point, your dog should know that placing the toy in their mouth means they get a treat. The next phase is perhaps the trickiest, but you only need to follow the same method of rewarding small steps toward success.
Toss the toy a few feet away from you. When they pick it up, click, treat, and praise. Continue this until they understand what they’re supposed to do. Then toss the toy and encourage your dog to bring it back to you. When they do, give praise.
Step 5: Throw the Fetch Toy Further
Once your dog has realised that they get treats when they get their toy and bring it back, start "upping the ante" by throwing the toy further. It might help to find a hallway (which will reduce distractions) and toss the fetch toy further and further away.
With each successful fetch, offer treats and praise, then toss the toy a little further. Repeat as many times as necessary for your dog to understand what this fetch game is all about.
Step 6: Add Some Words
This part is optional. If you would like to add a marker word like “fetch,” now is the time to do so (when your dog is successfully fetching their toy).
Say the word before throwing the toy, then lay it on heavy with treats and praise when they successfully fetch for you and say something like “good fetch.” Of course, it’s not necessary to say “fetch” or another similar word. By this point, your dog has probably learned to enjoy the game itself — with or without a verbal cue.
Step 7: Take the Game of Fetch Outside
Up to this point, you’ve been playing fetch inside, where things are nice and quiet. But now it’s time to head out into the world where distractions are plentiful.
Begin in a fenced space, such as a backyard or other enclosed spot. If you don’t have such a yard, try a quiet fenced-in park or other public place. Go during times when there aren’t other dogs or people; at least, when there aren’t too many other dogs and people. If your dog isn't yet good at going off-lead, learn how to train them and be safe when on the lead.
Be sure to bring some treats with you, as you’re now asking your dog for a little more effort and they’ll need a reward for everything to sink in. Play fetch like you would at home, tossing the toy further and further away and rewarding your dog for successfully bringing it back to you.
Final Notes on Fetch
Some dogs might never learn to love fetch. Maybe you can teach them the behaviour, but they just don’t get to the point where they enjoy the game.
If this is the case with your dog, don’t worry. There are a ton of other fun ways to get your dog some great mental stimulation and physical exercise. You can try working on:
Scent training (a.k.a. nose work)
'Sniffari' Walks
Agility training
Swimming
Going for hikes
Interactive toys and food puzzles (especially the types that have to be moved around for a dog to get at the treats inside)
Hide and seek (stash some of your dog’s favourite toys throughout the home and encourage them to “go hunting”)
MAINTAIN PROPER SOCIALISATION
Pet parents often think that if they have two dogs at home, they will entertain each other and get the proper amount of socialization and exercise they need from the comfort of home. Remember, dogs are pack animals and are used to being around other dogs and humans. Can you imagine if you only got to interact with the same people and never got to leave the house? Dogs feel the same! To maintain a happy and balanced pack, the dogs need to get out of the house at least four times a week.
Need help with fun activities for your dog? At Elite Canine Club daycare, dogs enjoy socialization, exercise and education in a home environment that is fun, safe and extremely clean. Separated by size and temperament and supervised, your dog will play with their new BFFFs, burn off energy and learn through brain games designed to improve behaviour and manners. Let Elite Canine Club help you develop a well-balanced dog! Learn more here.
tags: daycare, education
