How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch

How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch

Fetch is a fun game for you and your dog to play. It promotes bonding and provides a great way for you to exercise your dog.

How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch
Teaching your dog to fetch promotes bonding and is a great way to exercise your dog. Many dogs like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Spaniels, and other sporting breeds have a strong desire to retrieve.

Others dogs like to chase toys and play keep away. That’s why it is a good idea to start teaching the rules of fetch when your dog is a puppy. But, don’t let that discourage you – adult dogs can learn to play fetch, too!

Ready, Set, Fetch
A good way to introduce fetch to your dog is through the two-toy fetch method. For this you will need two identical Fetch Dog Toys that your pup is crazy about.

If you are outside, make sure that your pet has on a quality Dog Collar and Dog Tag for safety. Now, let's play!


West Paw Fetch Toys

Above: One of our favorite fetch toys is the Zisc Flying Disc from the good folks at West Paw Design. Made in America, durable and lots of fun!

Ready to start teaching your dog to fetch? Here's how!


3 Easy Steps For Teaching Fetch

  1. With one toy in your hand, playfully tempt your dog and then throw the toy.
  2. When your dog chases it, use happy talk to praise her. When she picks up the toy, call her to you and show her you have another toy. Most likely she will want the dog toy you have and she’ll race back to you to get it.
  3. Throw the second toy and as pup is chasing it go and pick up the first toy and start the process over again.
Because this is a very physical game, start slowly and build up endurance. At first you may only want to work two or three repetitions twice a day. Make sure you end each game with your dog wanting more!

Dog Treats Are A Great Motivator

If your dog has no interest in toys you will need to create a positive association by rewarding her with a Dog Treat each time she chases and picks up a toy. This takes time, patience, and lots of repetitions.

By playing this game over and over, you will create in your dog a strong desire to fetch. When this happens, you can take your show on the road, and your dog should be able to enjoy fetching almost anywhere at anytime. This will provide you with a fun and easy way motivate and interact with her.

Castor & Pollux

Above: Going organic is always best. These Organic Dog Cookies by Castor & Pollux make great rewards for training your pet.

Additional Tips On Teaching Your Dog To Fetch
• Don’t let your dog have access to the fetch toys when you’re not playing the game. By “reserving” these toys, they become high value objects for your dog!
• Don’t throw the toy too far. Toss it a couple of feet away at first and gradually add distance.

Training your dog is great for your pet, but it also is a fantastic way to get outdoors and relieve some stress. If you have a new dog, here are tips on How To Teach Your Dog To Come When Called.

For more training tips, try Teaching Your Dog Tricks and even take some time Playing Tug With Your Dog. Keep your training positive, and no matter what, have fun!