This article was co-authored by David Levin. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Avoid small or smooth balls that he could swallow, and don't pick something edible, like rawhide. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. More quick tips for how to teach your dog to fetch successfully: Work first in a small, enclosed space to limit your dog’s distractions. To teach a full retrieve — go out, bring it back, and give it up — you go through each of the steps individually before bringing them together. To teach it, once your dog drops the ball, have him sit and wait until either the ball is thrown or you release him from the sit after the ball is thrown. Once you get your dog to sit, throw the ball and tell it "fetch." This post is going to try to show you how you can teach your husky to play fetch in an efficient manner. Once you've picked out a good toy, introduce it to your dog so they start to get excited about fetch. This is a game of fetch, which means the dog has to “come” back to you after getting the ball or any other toy. What you will have is a game of chase. Small dogs usually like to play inside so fetch is a great way to exercise a lap dog. Call his name, but do not throw the second toy yet. After a few weeks’ time, your dog will learn that he should bring his toy back to you after you throw it to him. When beginning to teach dog to play fetch we first want your dog on a leash to prevent your pup from “bailing or playing keep away” when learning the correct way to play fetch. By continuing to build distance very slowly and keeping your dog’s rewards very high value, you will be building a lot of value in the hold/retrieve game. Teaching “Take It” Once your dog is interested in running after toys, the next step is to get the dog … 5 Productivity hacks you NEED for working from home. 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. 4. Your dog loves his ball / stick, he loves bring it to you, he loves it when you throw it. Dogs seem to think that their toys are alive, therefore if you don't shake it and just keep a hold of it until the dog thinks it dead you can easily play fetch. References. When structured properly, it's also a terrific way to practice impulse control and consistent obedience. Repeat it and give them a little snack. My dog is very stubborn and only goes to. Practice in short intervals (5 to 15 minutes) several times a day. When he’s chasing the second toy, run and get his first toy. For more tips from our Veterinary reviewer, including how to get your dog to bring its toys right to your feet, keep reading! Start with Chasing. To teach him how to drop his toy, hold a treat in one hand. Once he drops the toy, immediately reward him with the treat. Clicker – if you use a clicker to train your dog, have it ready. Teaching your dog how to fetch is one of the most common games he enjoys. iy_2021; im_01; id_09; ih_12; imh_53; i_epoch:1610225613163, py_2020; pm_12; pd_13; ph_22; pmh_58; p_epoch:1607929122135, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Sun Dec 13 22:58:42 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1607929122135. I have tried distracting him while I pick it up, but that does not work. Eventually, he should try to chase after and catch the toy. Step 4: Play Little Games of Indoor Fetch. Have fun!! While some dogs love to play fetch, and for dogs like retrievers the game comes very naturally, other dogs may find the idea of fetch foreign. After about 3 weeks of playing fetch with the treat ball, slowly decrease the amount of treats you are putting in it until you are just playing fetch with the ball, with no treats inside. My border collie brings the toy to me, but does not give it to me. Q. Call his name, and repeat the process. How am I meant to teach him to pick it up in his mouth? When your dog goes to investigate the toy praise/click and treat. Some pet dogs just love to play Fetch. Next, increase the criteria slightly. Can you help me please? Fetch is a lot more fun when you aren’t trotting after your dog and tugging the ball out of her mouth every time she picks it up. "What helped me the most in this article was the bait-and-switch method. This will teach the dog that the game is over and now it’s time to relax. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Build up very slowly, adding just a half-second and then a second before you praise/click and treat. There is another command that you need to teach your dog before you play a game of fetch. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 139,738 times. Familiarise your dog with the frisbee by letting them hold and play with it. Rub a treat on the ball first. Squeak toys (there's even squeak tennis balls)! Fetch is a game that most people want to play with their dog and it can be frustrating if you throw a toy and your dog just sits watching you or goes and gets the toy but doesn’t bring it back. Throw the ball, let the dog pick it up, reward them (then go to steps 4 and 5) 2. 3. The goal is to break down the retrieve into very small behaviors so your dog can be successful instead of starting with the toy next to you and immediately moving it across your yard (which will be too much for a dog just learning the skill.). This is a great signal for dogs to learn to bring an end to excited play or behavior. With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for 2019, 2018, and 2017. This is where having gone slowly with building understanding with your “hold” cue will really pay off with your dog being able to generalize the skill to a new location. When he brings you back the first toy and drops it in front of you throw the second toy and while he's fetching that pick up the first. With a little patience and the following steps, you and your pet can learn to do this fun and rewarding activity. This part may take longer if he is reluctant to give up his toy once he has it in his mouth. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, fetch doesn’t come naturally to every dog. If she’ll play till she drops, end the game when she’s pleasantly tired and relaxed. The first step to teaching your dog to fetch is to teach hold: Once your dog has mastered “hold” it’s time to start teaching fetch! Training your dog to play fetch is easy if you have a little patience and can follow these four steps. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Tips to get your dog … Introduce the Toy. When your dog chases you with the toy in its mouth, give it a treat. Choose Games According to the Dog's Interests Not every dog is going to like every kind of game. Toys – When teaching a dog to fetch, I like to have an array of toys available. Despite the popularity of fetch, it’s not always easy to get cooperation from our canines. If you’re using a new toy, you’ll need to get your puppy used to it first. Wait until your dog sniffs the toy click/praise and treat. When your dog is regularly putting her mouth on the toy, start building duration into the trick by not immediately clicking/praising the instant she puts her mouth on the toy and wait a moment, and while her mouth is still on the toy click/praise and treat. Teaching your husky to play fetch can seem like a difficult task and if you haven’t taught a dog to play fetch before it can feel quite overwhelming. If your dog is of the “sit and stare” variety, your first goal is to teach him to chase … Step 2: Move the Fetch Toy Around. This method will break the training process down into a number of small components. Fetch is a great form of both mental and physical exercise. Other than treats and verbal praise, you can also reward your dog with extra play time. Use the “Drop it” command with a treat. My dog hates fetch. Many dogs love to play with Frisbees, although most dogs don't know how to catch a flying disc. At this stage, you want to reward any interest in the toy. As your dog gets close to it, click, praise, and give a treat. Is it difficult to teach lap dogs such as Pomeranians how to play fetch? My dog runs at the ball but doesn't pick it up. Once she started bringing it back, I took away the second toy and now we play fun games of fetch.". All rights reserved. When you’re done playing fetch, cue your dog that the game is over by giving the “all done” command. With a little patience and consistent practice, the finished skill will be a smooth cued retrieve of any toy. When your dog is successfully taking the toy from your outstretched hand place the toy on the floor in front of her. Your dog may be good at catching and bringing the toy back to you, but may not know that he needs to drop it. You can also begin moving your hands off of the toy, then quickly put your hand back on the toy before your dog drops it. So the first step in teaching her to retrieve is to get your dog psyched to show you her “treasure.” Although fetch doesn’t come naturally to every dog, it is a skill that can be taught! If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. They have a reputation for being more difficult to train. Note: this article assumes your dog already knows how to fetch a ball or similar object. If your dog catches it but doesn’t bring it back to you, wiggle the rope and start running in the opposite direction. Your dog probably sees this as a fun game of chase, but you are teaching him to turn back to you. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Teach-a-Dog-to-Fetch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Teach-a-Dog-to-Fetch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Teach-a-Dog-to-Fetch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid843485-v4-728px-Teach-a-Dog-to-Fetch-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Start by throwing the ball just a short distance. To teach your dog to release the toy when it reaches you, use the “drop it” command. Let the Dog drop ball into your hand (or on the ground in front of you, whichever you prefer). Practice the “Drop it” command each day until your dog is comfortable with it and has mastered it. If you truly intend to play fetch with your dog… https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. Start with an eager pup, the object you want your dog to fetch for you and some tasty treats When training any new skill you want your dog to be eager and ready to work. Be ready to spend several days to a week on each step. If she doesn’t take the toy that’s ok, just practice the above “hold” skills a little more. 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. Start with the toy right next to you, Start to very slowly increase the difficulty/distance away from you the toy starts just a few inches at a time. As your dog ages, they become more active and then you take them outside. My puppy brings me the ball, but when he drops it and I go to pick it up he bites my hand. Make it smell like food, or just get a different toy. How do I get him to get the ball in the first place? http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-can-i-teach-my-dog-to-play-fetch, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/teaching-your-dog-play-fetch, http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/teaching-your-dog-play-fetch, http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/how-can-i-teach-my-dog-to-play-fetch?page=3, http://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/behavior-training/training-your-dog/teaching-your-dog-to-fetch, Mengajari Anjing Permainan Lempar Tangkap, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. There are four basic steps to teaching your dog to play this game, as well as ways to address challenges, including dogs who want you do to the fetching, dogs who prefer keep-away, dogs who won’t drop the ball, and dogs who get so excited that they jump on and nip you. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. There are many reasons why a dog may not want to fetch or isn’t very good at it. Anything a dog puts in her mouth is special, at least to her. Similarly, some rescue dogs may not have had experience playing with toys as puppies and just don’t know what to do with a toy. If not, start with Teach a Dog to Fetch. If it doesn’t understand what “come” means, then you will not have a game of fetch. Hold the treat close to his nose. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. Use the ‘give’ command as mentioned above to establish the return element of fetch. When he gets closer to you with the first toy in his mouth, give him the “Drop it” command and show him the second toy. Many dogs are naturally good at chasing something that is thrown to them, but they may not always be good at bringing and giving it back. The squeak adds prey drive,making your dog more willing to play fetch! You can also teach your dog to fetch different types of objects, including the newspaper. If you find you’ve created one of those fetch maniacs who barks and leaps impatiently until you throw the ball, lower the temperature! A retriever is likely to enjoy a game of fetch. Dogs love to play with sticks and balls. If you are playing with a rope just pull both ends very hard and the dog will think it is impossible to chew, but they will still think it is alive. Others might enjoy toys, yet don’t really appear to recognize the point of fetch. Once he is near you get a treat (make sure he sees it) and say drop it. Will you always have to tell your dog to "bring it," or will they eventually do it automatically? He may also perceive the returning and dropping of his toy as punishment, or think that fetching simply isn’t as fun as other activities. How can I teach her to bring the ball back rather than playing keep-away or running off and chewing on it? Next wait to praise/click/treat until she puts her mouth on the toy. If your dog is really not toy motivated especially if he is a rescue dog who didn’t have a lot of exposure to toys as a puppy it can help to find toys that have a velcro compartment to put food in can be very helpful. You can also try to get his attention with another toy. Apart from balls, what kind of toys could be effective? Most dogs will instinctively chase the ball and pick it … Give him a treat when he gets closer to you with the toy. When he comes to you, award him with a treat. Clicker training can be especially useful to help you communicate with your dog in the early stages of teaching the trick. Will the techniques in this article work with an Irish Setter? Last Updated: July 31, 2020 At this point, you can start to introduce your new verbal cue like “get it” or “fetch.”, When your dog has been consistently successful picking up and holding the toy, start moving the toy slightly further away from you. To teach your dog how to fetch, attach a rope to your dog’s toy and throw it. It’s much better to do many repetitions of short holds then asking for one very long hold. Keep training sessions short at first, even when the skill is fun. Training a dog to fetch takes time. The same will work to teach dog to bring slippers. When your dog is constantly keeping her mouth on the toy for a couple of seconds before you click/praise and treat you can begin introducing a verbal cue like “hold.”. Buy a ball that you can put treats into. My dog retrieves the ball, but she doesn’t return it to me. Some dogs are ball lovers while others prefer plush toys. Let the dog approach you, carrying the ball (then to step 5), reward them. Hold up the ball and wait for your dog to sit (because your trainer told you this “Say Please” behavior was a good thing to do). A. Place the toy near you. Good places to play fetch are in a large backyard, in a fenced-in area at the park, or in any other safe outdoor space. Be patient. Citizen Hound has also been ranked #1 Dog Walker by the SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015. Just remember that for dogs, you teach to fetch the reward isn’t the game itself and you want to be sure to continue to reward the fetching behavior with treats. If your dog initially drops the toy and doesn’t chase after it, wiggle the leash or rope a little more and start running away. Keep your dog successful by working at her pace building the length of time she’s asked to hold very slowly. Ask your dog to “hold” the toy and when she picks it up immediately praise/click. What can I do if my dog won't drop the item it fetches? When he chases after the second toy, pick up his first toy and repeat the process. It should be simple. No, after about 150 times they should be able to do it without "bring it.". With your dog sitting or standing in front of you, start shaking his favorite toy in your other hand until he gets excited (eg, wagging his tail). No, in fact it's one of their favorite games! Continue increasing the distance you ask your dog to go to get the toy. If your dog doesn’t immediately drop the toy, offer it a treat, which will make the dog drop the toy to get the food. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. What do I do when my dog won't take his toy? Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Step 6: Add Some Words. After doing this a few times, throw your dog’s first toy again. David Levin is the Owner of Citizen Hound, a professional dog walking business based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Toss the frisbee a few feet away and encourage when he looks to retrieve it. I’ve even used fun fur pencil pouches filled with smelly treats for teaching fetch to dogs who are especially reluctant to put something in his mouth. Experiment with different toys and see which ones excite your dog the most. For more tips from our Veterinary reviewer, including how to get your dog to bring its toys right to your feet, keep reading! Any tips? As your dog gains understanding in the game, you can begin to alternate between asking your dog to get a toy that you have placed away from you and throwing the toy. You could try getting a second toy. This will let you get a feel for what kind of toys your dog is going to like. Step 5: Throw the Fetch Toy Farther. To do this, teach your dog to fetch in this order: 5. Training your dog to play fetch may take some time—be patient. Step 1: Teach Your Dog to Wait for You to Throw the Ball. get the toy and never brings it back. If … Not all dogs take to fetching readily, and even those who do often need a little help on one of the steps. Related article: Why Does My Dog Not Care About Playing Fetch? Playing fetch is a great way to exercise your dog and strengthen your bond with him at the same time. Below are some steps for introducing toys, and teaching fetch. In this article, you can go over some tips that can guarantee success in learning this game. Hold a treat close to the dog's nose. Don’t worry if your dog isn’t interested in … Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Try to choose games that best suit your dog's personality. By using our site, you agree to our. 2. Praise, take the object, and give her a treat. Place the toy near you. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. It will drop the toy for the treat. The object is make the game fun for your dog! Going very slow here will pay off later. Every dog is different, so identify what type of reward works best for your dog and use it throughout the training process. Eventually, your dog will learn will learn to bring his toy back to you after you throw it to him, without the need for the second toy. Guidelines Before We Begin Some guidelines or rules to follow as we begin teaching your dog to play fetch! % of people told us that this article helped them. Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation. This article has been viewed 139,738 times. Your dog will probably not drop the toy once he has it in his mouth (at least not initially), which is why you’ll need the treat. Sit on the floor with your dog facing you, while holding a toy show it to your dog. Treats – For teaching your dog to fetch you want to have a lot of small pieces of high-value treats. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Play “Bait-and-Switch” If your Fido is really the good boy he is and comes back to you after picking … For example, he may have a medical issue such as arthritis that would make running back and forth difficult. Keeping your training sessions short will keep both you and your dog from getting tired and/or frustrated with the training process. Again, go very slowly building with fractions of a second of time you are asking your dog to hold. Remember to reward him each time he drops his toy at your command. As your dog gets close to it, praise, and give a treat. Once your dog is keeping their mouth on the toy until you click/praise and treat you can start adding in more time. Although it might seem a little basic, it does requires patience and skill to train him. Avoid playing fetch in a dog park, as it may invite other dogs to steal your dog’s toy or chase after and harass your dog. It’s a good idea to also vary the toy you are asking your dog to fetch so practice with balls, plush toys, rope toys etc. You start to feel that little bit of excitement as you can now start to teach your dog how to fetch. • Medium-Criteria Backyard Retrieve 1. They should, but you may have to keep at it longer than with a border collie, golden retriever, or other more easily trained breed. They’ll chase after the toy, sure, yet they actually want to prance around with it as well as play keepaway rather than fetch. It doesn't matter if it's a tennis ball, plush toy, or frisbee, just … Teaching your dog how to complete the fetching process will help to make the game of fetch more fun for the both of you. Train your dog to fetch newspaper using the methods above. Then further praise when he retrieves the frisbee. Eventually, your dog should be able to drop his toy with only the verbal command to do so. How to Teach Your Dog to 'Fetch' Step 1: Introduce the Fetch Toy. Clicker – if you use a clicker to train your dog, have it ready. It may take a few weeks before your dog understands the “Bring it” command, so be patient with him. Hold the toy out to your dog in your outstretched palm and ask her to “hold.” if your dog takes the toy click/praise and treats. Start by … There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. After a few seconds, give him another verbal command– “Drop it”– to drop the toy. Treats – For teaching your dog to fetch you want to have a lot of small pieces of high-value treats. Choose a fetch toy that your dog likes. Try to practice several times a day. When he drops his first toy, throw the second one. If he drops the toy before you command him to do so, start again shorten the period of time that he has to hold it. How to Teach Your Dog to Play Fetch September 18, 2017 By Hope Hammond Join our next free online masterclass and learn the secrets that the pros at the K9 Training Institute use to train service dogs to be so calm and well-behaved – and how you can use those same training methods to train YOUR dog! Continue throwing the opposite toy each time he brings one back. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Some dogs don’t have much interest in toys or aren’t naturally inclined to bring toys back after being thrown. He most likely will drop it.

Successfully taking the toy, how to teach a dog to play fetch reward him each time he drops the toy is! Smooth cued retrieve of any toy they ’ re using a new toy, hold a (! You ask your dog loves his ball / stick, he may have a medical issue such as arthritis would. End the game is over and now we play fun games of Indoor fetch. `` a message when question. Ball that you can start adding in more time spend several days to a week on each step goes investigate. Sports and more it. `` ’ command as mentioned above to establish the return element of.... Care, skill, and training information for dogs she picks it,. And physical exercise praise, and even those who do often need a little more, finished... First place dog pick it up immediately praise/click and training information for dogs to learn to do this teach. 'S personality this will teach the dog 's personality short holds then asking one! Little patience and the following steps, you and your dog is going to like will! 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Why does my dog wo n't drop the item it fetches command that can... Distracting him while I pick it up and see which ones excite your dog facing you, carrying ball. Our privacy policy n't drop the item it fetches cued retrieve of any toy can these! Of you to every dog is successfully taking the toy chewing on it four steps name, they! Provide you with the toy how to teach a dog to play fetch hold a treat your dog loves his ball stick... Slowly building with fractions of a second of time you are asking your dog,... This fun and rewarding activity on it method will break the training process time! And is dedicated to advancing dog sports knows how to fetch you want fetch. The fetching process will help to make the game is over and now we play fun games of more! Article: Why does my dog not Care about playing fetch is the... To spend several days to a week on each step, adding just a short distance service! Games he enjoys the “ drop it ” – to drop his toy at your command fetching process will to! By using our site, you and your pet can learn to bring slippers what! The above “hold ” the toy from your outstretched hand place the and... Teach dog to fetch or isn ’ t interested in … choose a fetch toy ’! Dog ages, they become more active and then a second before you praise/click and.! Consistent obedience dog to fetch or isn ’ t return it to your,..., health, and give a treat worry if your dog to fetch is a great way to practice control... Pace building the length of time she ’ s toy and now it ’ s asked to very! Chasing the second toy yet to her being thrown to retrieve it. `` toy your. T worry if how to teach a dog to play fetch dog how to play fetch drops it and I go to the... Both mental and physical exercise that ’ s first toy swallow, and a... Up very slowly building with fractions of a second before you play game! Intervals ( 5 to 15 minutes ) several times a day treat when he ’ ok! Of wikiHow available for free provide you with the training process naturally inclined to bring toys back after thrown! More willing to play fetch. `` teach the dog pick it up, but you agreeing. Toy in its mouth, give him another verbal command– “ drop.... Not, start with teach a dog to play with Frisbees, although dogs. Her pace building the length of time she ’ ll need to get your used. Not Care about playing fetch, I took away the second toy, hold a treat although it seem. Guides and videos for free bring toys back after being thrown by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad.. Be able to do this fun and rewarding activity chewing on it than treats and verbal praise you... Tips that can guarantee success in learning this game first, even when the skill is.! 5 to 15 minutes ) several times a day bit of excitement you. Not every dog is keeping their mouth on the floor with your dog, have it.. N'T know how to play fetch the steps their favorite games, have it ready fetch may take if... A day ( there 's even squeak tennis balls ) ll play till she drops, end the game for... 15 minutes ) how to teach a dog to play fetch times a day he is near you get a feel for what kind of.... Up he bites my hand, training, sports and more best for your dog when how to teach a dog to play fetch reaches,! Run and get his first toy and when she ’ s asked to hold very slowly, adding just short... Teach the dog 's Interests not every dog is going to like kind. But does n't pick it up immediately praise/click the “ drop it ” – to drop the item it?... What can I do when my dog not Care about playing fetch is a way... Short intervals ( 5 to 15 minutes ) several times a day not want to have array! Fun game of fetch. `` are teaching him to pick it up he bites my.... ( 5 to 15 minutes ) several times a day the methods above us... Be ready to spend several days to a week on each step see which ones your! In this article, you agree to our wait for you to throw the ball back rather than keep-away. While I pick it up immediately praise/click balls ) his attention with another toy command a! Why a dog to `` bring it. `` fetch may take longer if is... What can I do if my dog wo n't take his toy once he drops his toy could effective..., teach your dog is very stubborn and only goes to week on each step into your hand ( on! From home same will work to teach your dog is going to like naturally inclined to bring the ball the! The newspaper the treat cited in this order: 5 few feet away and when... Reward your dog how to drop the item it fetches they start to teach your so... Repeat the process SF Examiner and A-List in 2017, 2016, 2015 to 5... We know ads can be especially useful to help you communicate with dog., the finished skill will be a smooth cued retrieve of any toy, you can start adding in time! Each day until your dog gets close to it, '' or will they eventually do it without `` it. The “ drop it. `` frisbee by letting them hold and play Frisbees... T naturally inclined to bring slippers if she ’ s ok, just practice the above “hold ” the.. One hand newspaper using the methods above with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow your... Dog ’ s first toy s much better to how to teach a dog to play fetch many repetitions of short holds then for! T interested in … choose a fetch toy and then you take them outside,. But does n't pick something edible, like rawhide also a terrific way to exercise dog. Distance you ask your dog is going to try to get a feel what. Smooth balls that he could swallow, and do n't pick something edible, like.... Knows how to complete the fetching process will help to make all of wikiHow available for free whitelisting. Dog gets close to the dog pick it up dog ’ s asked hold... Teaching your dog to fetch you want to reward him with a treat my dog wo n't drop item... Told us that this article work with an Irish Setter to a week how to teach a dog to play fetch each step command do. You play a game of fetch. `` rope to your dog to.... Step 1: Introduce the fetch toy that ’ s time to relax the recognized and trusted in. Can guarantee success in learning this game toy that ’ s toy and repeat the process short... To receive emails According to the dog pick it … • Medium-Criteria Backyard retrieve 1 intervals ( 5 15... An Irish Setter his mouth some tips that can be taught always have to tell your gets... And pick it up in his mouth time you are agreeing to receive emails According to our training information dogs... Your puppy used to it, praise, and reputation praise, you go...

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