Dog Obedience Training for the Fetch Command
Dog fetch command will provide you and your dog, exercise and a chance to bond. Throwing an object and instructing your dog to retrieve and properly release it can be a tough task to teach. Many dogs, especially hounds, will easily be distracted sniffing things or chasing bugs. By using the training techniques you and your dog will enjoy this activity with out distractions.
Rules To Remember When Training Your Dog the Fetch Command
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Never chase your dog. If they fail to bring the object back do not turn the game into tag.
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Start small with little distance between you and your dog. No more than a few feet or the length of your arms.
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Use familiar objects at first. Try not to use random objects to play fetch until the dog learns the command. Start with a favorite chew toy or ball
. Use this object during the training and only switch to different objects at the end.
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Start young if possible. Puppies will learn to play fetch and understand the cue word you use to release the object faster.
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Do not train for longer than 10-15 minutes at a time.
Steps to Teaching Your Dog How to Fetch
1 - Start training at a young age if possible. This tends to work best since puppies will have a general instinct to come to you. Toss the object between you and your puppy so you both can easily reach it. When the puppy picks up the object, squat down and use an organic treat to entice the dog to come closer to you. Using the treat to district the puppy, grab the object and remove it if possible but be careful here not to turn it into tug of war. This will only encourage biting. The treat should deter the dog from holding the object in their mouth.
If you find your puppy is not interested in the toy you may need to get them excited first. Show the toy to your puppy then quickly hide it behind your back. Then quickly bring it out again. Continue doing this to excite the puppy then drop it for them to pick up.
2 - Following step one but now introduce the cue word. I use the words "drop it" but you can use any word or phrase. Drop the object in front of your puppy. As soon as the dog grabs the object entice them over with another treat. When they reach you use the cue word to drop the item. If they still do not drop the item use the treat again to distract the dog and take the object from them gently. Remember to use the cue word and say it in a firm tone. Use the same sound and tone of your voice with all commands. Do not give them the treat until they drop the chew toy or you may reward them for holding on to the chew toy and disobeying your drop it command.
3 - Now begin tossing the object further and further away. Wait for the puppy to return and use the cue word. When done correctly reward with a treat. Continue doing this as repetition is the best way for the dog to learn. Once the puppy understands the command try changing the fetch object. After they understand using different objects, change the environment. Go outside with your puppy or another room in your house.
4 - Through out the training once you feel the puppy is figuring out the command slowly reduce the number of treats. Eventually the puppy will fetch the object just for your praise and fun. |
One thing to remember when teaching your dog to play fetch is to never chase after them. If they do not return to you then sit there, wait and entice them over with a treat or end the training.
Most Common Dog Obedience Commands
Click on each of the following commands for detail training on each one.
