How do you train a puppy to fetch?

Question

I have 2 month old shar-pei puppy. He is so hyperactive. Sometimes I'm too tired to run with him. I really would like to show him how interesting may be for him to play alone with his toys. Unfortunately when I throw him a ball he is not interested at all. Actually I think he doesn't like any of his toy balls. Any tips on how to make them interesting for him? By the way I tried to leave them where he sleeps or with his treats. It doesn't seem to help :-(

Answer 1

Get a ball that has a rope attached. Make it smell like your puppies treats. Throw it and hold onto the rope. When he grabs it pull it back he will come too. Praise your puppy and throw it again. Eventually he will learn.

Answer 2

Playing fetch games provides some good exercise for your dog. It also provides a good way to get those toys back so you don't end up getting all the exercise.


In the beginning, roll the toy away from your dog and let him get it.
When he picks it up, say, "Fetch!" so he begins to associate the command with the action. Then praise him with an excited voice.
As he gets older, throw the toy a little further.
When he brings it back, give lots of praise and let your dog play with the toy for a few minutes so he gains some benefit from his effort of retrieving it.
If he doesn't bring it back, use a long lead attached to his collar. Gently reel your dog in with the toy and praise him for coming back.
Pet him, but avoid his head so he doesn't think you're going to immediately take the toy from him.
Care should be taken playing this game vigorously with growing dogs. Avoid playing on slippery surfaces and ask your veterinarian how much fetch is appropriate for your age and breed of dog.


Some dogs enjoy the chase of the toy and retrieving it and want you to throw it again immediately. Others want the toy with less chasing and retrieving.

Once he's had a minute or so to play with the toy, your dog may drop it on his own. If he does, say, "Drop," to reinforce the behavior. If he doesn't drop it on his own, get a light grip on the toy and give the command to drop. Praise him when he lets go of it and throw it again.

Answer 3

if you have not had good luck so far, you may have a non-retriever on your hands. Try other games. There is a toy called the Kong that is good for all types of dogs. My dog taught herself to fetch. she is obsessed with the ball. i think some dogs are just more prone to fetch than others. the best exercise for your dog, as well as a training and bonding exercise is a 30 minute walk on the leash.

Answer 4

I got my dog to fetch by making it smell like a treat and he'll go get it but won't give it back. That was over two years ago so I wouldn't suggest going that rout.

Answer 5

Put treats in it or spray the toy with something that smells good to him/her. Do not use air freshener.

Answer 6

put a snack inside of a toy, let the puppy smell it and then throw it.

Answer 7

Throw one of your dog's favorite toys and get him used to going and getting that. gradualy substitute what you want him to fetch, But this has to be fun for him or He wont do it.

Answer 8

Shar-peis do not make good retrievers.

Answer 9

maybe he dose not like fetch try playing something like tug o war