Fetch Problem?

Question

I have a 10 month old Am Bulldog/Staffy mix puppy. He LOVES to play fetch inside our house with his red Kong. However, our house is pretty tiny to play fetch in and so we take him to this large empty field down the street, so he can run and fetch farther. We also bought him a red rubber ball to play fetch with at the field.

Here's the issue: When playing with his ball, he will retrieve it, but will NOT bring it to us to throw again. He won't drop it, or even let us get close enough to grab it. I don't want to chase him, because I believe this to be counter-active, and I don't want to sneak up on him and grab it either.

Why does he love to play fetch inside with one toy, but doesn't like to outside with another toy? It's like outside, the fetch part isn't rewarding enough for him.

Has anyone had experience with this problem, or any suggestions?

He is a little shaky on the "drop" command, but will do it when neccessary. Other than that, he is very obedient. Help!

Answer 1

Why not try using the kong outside? You can tie a rope through it to throw it farther. Also, usually outside is a much more interesting place to be than inside, so being outside is more rewarding in itself than playing a game.

You are right not to chase him or sneak up and grab it, this could become an even better game to him. Instead, if he is very obedient as you say, try calling him to you when he has the ball, and trading him for a treat with your drop command when he gets to you.

Answer 2

ok. here is what you do. take the kong and throw it. then when he gets it say "here boy" then when he startes to bring it back, pull out a treat. when he sees the treat he will come running. if he gets to you with the kong then give him the treat. if he drops it then go and get the kong. dont give him the treat.put the treat in the kong and let him know it is in there then throw the kong again. that is how we taught Chex, my lab, how to fetch and bring it all the way. eventually dont bring treats and he will get used to it.

Answer 3

The way to do this right is to exchange the toy he has for one that you have. When he gets the toy you threw for him show him him the way you have and get him interest in it. Once he shows interest let him come to you and when he spits out the one in his mouth, throw the one in your hand. As soon as he goes after the one you tossed, pick the other one up and let the game go on like that.

Answer 4

GET A LONG ROPE AND TRAIN HIM OUTSIDE TO BRING IT BACK.