Lisa Nobles asked:
Playing fetch with your dog is a delightful activity for both owner and dog. To teach your dog how to play fetch, start with the object he loves most. With your dog on a long leash, give your dog the sit command (A prerequisite for playing fetch is the ability for your dog to follow a sit command). After he sits, take the object and throw it a short distance from the dog. Say “fetch” and let your dog run after the toy. Once he has it in his mouth, gently draw him back towards you by means of the leash. Show him and let him sniff a favorite eatable treat, but don’t give it to him, instead say “release.” It is critical that your dog willingly gives you or drops the object. Do not get into a tug-of-war.
Retriever breeds and highly intelligent breeds will learn this game and the commands quickly. Others may take longer. If the dog does not release or drop the object, continue to show and allow him to sniff the eatable treat while giving him the command release. When he willingly allows you to have the toy from his mouth or drops it, lavish him with praise and give him the eatable treat.
Once the dog consistently brings the object thrown back to you, remove the leash and have him fetch it and bring it back to you on his own.
At advanced stages, you can begin to give objects specific names, such as newspaper and have him fetch the newspaper in the mornings for you. He will love the job and you will love one less chore.
Jack
Playing fetch with your dog is a delightful activity for both owner and dog. To teach your dog how to play fetch, start with the object he loves most. With your dog on a long leash, give your dog the sit command (A prerequisite for playing fetch is the ability for your dog to follow a sit command). After he sits, take the object and throw it a short distance from the dog. Say “fetch” and let your dog run after the toy. Once he has it in his mouth, gently draw him back towards you by means of the leash. Show him and let him sniff a favorite eatable treat, but don’t give it to him, instead say “release.” It is critical that your dog willingly gives you or drops the object. Do not get into a tug-of-war.
Retriever breeds and highly intelligent breeds will learn this game and the commands quickly. Others may take longer. If the dog does not release or drop the object, continue to show and allow him to sniff the eatable treat while giving him the command release. When he willingly allows you to have the toy from his mouth or drops it, lavish him with praise and give him the eatable treat.
Once the dog consistently brings the object thrown back to you, remove the leash and have him fetch it and bring it back to you on his own.
At advanced stages, you can begin to give objects specific names, such as newspaper and have him fetch the newspaper in the mornings for you. He will love the job and you will love one less chore.
Jack
