How is it that dogs have a natural ability to fetch??

Question

At least it seems that way... we have a 10 week old puppy and he does it while we're playing with him... but we've never "taught" him to..

He's a Norfolk Terrier...
Thanks for the answers so far!!

Answer 1

Some breeds were bred specifically to retrieve shot game when out hunting - breeds of the Gundog group (http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/3 ) are prime examples - and the behaviour remains ingrained even today. Is your dog one of the ones in that list, or a mixed breed which may include one? Other breeds can be taught or conditioned to retrieve, especially if praised or rewarded for doing so.

Not all breeds will fetch. I can't get either of my Chihuahuas to fetch something I've thrown for love or money; they look at me with an expression which clearly says "you threw it - so you go get it". One of my Whippets just about gets the fetching idea, but not necessarily the returning it back part.

Answer 2

My Bichon did the very same thing. I threw the toy once and it was like he realized that if he wants to keep chasing it he has to give it to me first. Sometimes when I'm busy he goes to the top of the stairs and throws it down by himself and then runs down the stairs and gets it only to bring it back upstairs and do it all over again:) he will do that intil I can play with him or intil he is tired. Although we had a Shepard collie mix that would NOT ever bring his toy back, no matter what we did. Some dogs just do that. What kind of dog do you have?

Answer 3

I am more amazed at how they can be active playing and 2 minutes later go to sleep. I love animals and I have 4 dogs who are all rescues and very happy. Another thing I have noticed in many dogs is the mailman gene. They go bonkers when the mail gets here. One of my dogs hates motorcycles. He can hear one a mile away and run out the doggy door and bark like the world is about to end...............Animals rule and they make me smile everyday. I wish more people were like dogs. Hmm...............I am not sure I want to see people chasing the mailman or running around with a stick in their mouth! haha!

Answer 4

Not all dogs do that.

Our GSD is pretty indifferent to a ball. She chases & plays with our ACD when HE plays fetch but she's not generally after the ball.

We fostered a GSD/ACD mix that was kinda the same way. She would let the ACD chase down the ball and ambush him halfway back!

Answer 5

Well, actually--not all dogs know how to "fetch"--I have 3 dogs-1 is a Lab/Shep/Chow mix--been fetchin and retrievin for as long as I can remember--very young and I didn't teach him to do that either--then I have a Beagle--his idea of "fetch" is: I throw (whatever) he runs after in -gets it and instead of bringing it back to me--he takes off with it and burys it somewhere-then digs it up 6 months later--go figure!

Answer 6

Yes, it depends on the breed, and even the specific dog. I had Golden Retrievers that did it almost obsessively. My rott/shar pei will only do it when she feels like it, and then it's more of a game of catch than fetch!

Answer 7

Puppies naturally love to play -- canines have instincts that cause them to naturally want to persue and pounce and carry 'prey' so they naturally will go after something and as long as you make it fun and worth his while to bring it back to you then he will do it :) He isn't necessarily 'fetching' (that is what humans call it), he is bringing back his 'prize' to show you what a great hunter he is!!

Answer 8

Because dogs are predators and they naturally like to chase after to things that move.

Answer 9

dogs like to please their owners

Answer 10

ask a vet,,,