| One of the first fun activities many owners will try with | | | | it is you are trying to teach them. |
| their dogs is playing fetch. Usually, the owner will take | | | | The second method involves using another handler |
| their dog to an open area and throw a ball or soft toy | | | | and getting them to walk the dog out to collect the |
| expecting the dog to go collect it and bring it back . | | | | thrown object and then back to you before the dog is |
| What usually happens is the dog will stand and look | | | | rewarded. In fact, you can start with the first method |
| and you or it will go off after the object you just threw | | | | and then move on to the second method. Remember |
| and either start chewing on it or the dog will carry on | | | | to reward the dog generously for a good retrieve |
| running. Other times the dog will come back without | | | | when using this method also. Again, ensure there are |
| the object expecting you to throw another one. | | | | no distractions for the dog. |
| The fetch command is a fairly easy one and can be | | | | Some tips on making this process as painless as |
| quickly taught to puppies and young dogs but can take | | | | possible are firstly not to throw the toy or object too |
| a little more time with older dogs. Different breeds of | | | | far. This way the dog can see where the object has |
| dogs will learn quicker and some breeds like labradors | | | | gone and knows they can get to it. Also, you should |
| and retrievers may take little to no training at all. | | | | keep a particular toy just for the fetch training. If the |
| For those dogs that have nt quite mastered the idea | | | | dog is used to regularly playing with the toy, they may |
| of fetch, there are a couple of different methods of | | | | not realise you are trying to teach them something |
| teaching the fetch command. | | | | new. They may end up taking the toy off to play and |
| The first method is know as the forced retrieve and | | | | forget about you. |
| involves throwing a toy or similar object and manually | | | | In early training, avoid the use of sticks or hard objects |
| walking the dog to that point. When the dog picks the | | | | until the dog is well trained. Sticks also look pretty |
| object up the owner should generously reward them. | | | | similar and if the dog finds a choice of many to pick up |
| This procedure should be repeated a number of times. | | | | they just might not bother. |
| Say 5-10 times a day for a week. If you do it too often | | | | Hopefully, after a few weeks your dog will be happy |
| to begin with, the dog may become bored. Make sure | | | | to go to the park with you and fetch frisbees, tennis |
| the area where you carry out this training is free from | | | | balls or whatever object you have brought with you. |
| other distractions so the dog can concentrate on what | | | | It's also great exercise for both of you. |