Teaching Your Dog to Fetch? Here's a Simple and Efficient Way

Playing fetch can be tons of fun for both you and your four-legged friend. However, not all dogs grasp the idea behind fetching a ball as quickly as others. Some dogs are not too keen on fetching a ball, while others have an innate desire to chase just about anything you throw. You may notice your dog may like chasing but not retrieving; they may even keep the toy and run away from you as you try to grab it back!

It may take some time and effort to teach them to retrieve, but it will result in significantly better physical activity and fun times for you and your four-legged friend. Follow our easy guide on how to train a dog to fetch.

Find the Right Toy

Choose a less complicated toy for your dog's teeth to grab if they are new to fetching. If your dog is already quite skilled with fetching, choose a toy that will challenge them. 

You have a wide variety of toys to choose from: a plush toy that squeaks and draws attention works marvelously with young pups. A standard tennis ball is inexpensive, and dogs go absolutely nuts for it. 

Rope toys are great for the naughty ones who enjoy holding on to the toy and allow for a fun tug-of-war session but also give you easy access to retrieve the toy yourself. Frisbees are excellent for very energetic dogs who can jump great heights. 

Start With the Basics

Once you've chosen a suitable toy, offer it to your dog so that they can begin to familiarize themselves with the toy. You may raise your dog's interest in the toy by chasing it or playing tug with it. Going overboard with the toy by showing tons of excitement will motivate your dog to do the same!

Afterward, you can start moving the toy away from your dog to encourage them to walk towards it. They will quickly develop a strong desire to go after it! Use positive reinforcement or small treats when they interact with the toy. 

Repetition is Key

Dogs are incredibly intelligent animals and can be fast learners. They always aim to please their owners, so do not hesitate to repeat the necessary previous step. Successful dog training involves a lot of repetition; it helps the dog fully understand what you expect from them and creatures that work well with solid routines.

This type of training will quickly become a joy for your dog because they will have so much fun playing with you. Consider allotting a couple of minutes each day of playing fetch with your dog; consistent playtime is also a smart way to get some needed exercise for your pet.

Go Further 

Now that your pet is getting comfortable with the toy, it is time to try a test run by throwing it. If your dog is the playful and rambunctious type, they should go after it. If your dog is still getting the hang of it, you may need to take things further, perhaps by exciting them more with the toy or using more positive reinforcement. 

Contact Guard Dog to Install Electric Fences!

Playing fetch often happens outside, and as a dog owner, your pet's safety is always on the back of your mind. Electric fences specifically designed for pets are a great way to ensure your pet’s and others’ safety. Guard Dog of St. Louis specializes in such pet containment systems and we highly recommend installing an electric fence to keep your dog safe while playing fetch.

Call us at 636-397-3321 or contact us online for more information about our products. You can also check out our website for more dog training tips.