How exactly do you teach your dog to fetch.?

Question

One of my dogs Bailey don't fetch. When I throw a ball he'll chase after it alright but he doesn't return it to you. Also my other dog Zack fetches but he does it whenever he feels like. What do I do?

Answer 1

Work on this when the dog is hungry and/or playful. Have a pocket or hand full of dry dog food. Whether you begin working inside or outside, you will want to work in an area that is small/somewhat confined where he does not have wide open space to run, and not a lot of distractions.

Toss his favorite toy or whatever, and when he comes running back near you with the toy, drop a couple of pieces of food on the floor by your feet. He will drop the toy and eat the food. Say the command "fetch". Repeat this exercise as many times as possible. It may take several sessions before he is conditioned to retrieve an item and drop it at your feet on command. Once he has learned, it won't hurt at all to reinforce the training using the food or treats once in a while.

"Fetch" is a great trick to teach a dog, because you can exercise your dog even when you don't feel like exercising yourself.

Answer 2

i have 3 dogs and only one actually "fetches" it for me. Shes a golden retriever and loves to play ball and fetch. Some dogs just instinctly know how to fetch and others dont. My collie that i have does what urs does and just runs to it but doest bring it back. I guess they just arent into that. But if u really really want them to fetch u can sign them up for some class thing and teach them with treats.
=)

Answer 3

start with the basics and teach them to Come....only doing it when they want to is not an option. I use a long leash and let it lay on the ground...command Come. If they don't then give the leash a pull towards you as you repeat the command. Praise for success. Repeat. Keep your training sessions short and always end on a positive note.I suggest breed specific books to give training tips.

Answer 4

You don't "teach" the dog to fetch, it's part of their natural instinct, you re-enforce the behavior that is already there. It is fun for them so make it play while they are still puppys, then they keep the behavior as adult dogs.

Answer 5

try to give him treats if he bring back.... reward him and praise him a lot.. go to WWW.PETVIDEO.COM.. They'll give you some help with dogs.. it works great....
Best of Luck!!