How Do You Train A Dog To Play Fetch?

[guppy fan]

It seems like some dogs are just born for the game, but my dog wasn't. I would like to teach him how so it will be a bit easier to exersize him.

 

[-SPB-]

I think it depends on the dog. My dog bobby, a whippet, has no desire whatsoever to play fetch, he'll run, as whippets do, but play fetch, never. I don't think he would ever be taught, just not his thing!!!

 

[wullie187]

I think it depends on the dog. My dog bobby, a whippet, has no desire whatsoever to play fetch, he'll run, as whippets do, but play fetch, never. I don't think he would ever be taught, just not his thing!!!

start playing it with goodes 1st then take it 4m there

ill need 2start doing thes things when i get my azawakh pup evan low its more off a gard dog

 

[bae1994]

throw a ball if he takes interest call him back and give a treat

then keep doing this and then get some one else to catch the ball give it to the dog and then call him back and give a treat and just practice it like crazy

 

[kj23502]

A great way is to start out w/them on a leash. Throw the toy a small/short distance and tell them to "get it", "fetch" or whatever your cued phrase will be and point to it. When he gets it call him back to you. If he doesn't come right away call again and pull gently/slowly toward you to give him the idea. You may need to gently pull him back to you for quite a few trys until he gets the hint. Make sure that when he gets back to you w/the toy that you praise him like he's a king and give a treat.

Remember don't start out w/large distances. Puppies are like young kids and have short attention spans. To far away is to many distractions. Don't hound him with it over and over in the beginning. Do it a handful of times a few times a day. Also, limit the distractions you can. Other pets, people etc will distract him.

You make the decision when he's good enough to do it w/out a leash and at which distance you throw. Just be sure to start out small.

Hope that helps. Let us know how it goes.


Oh and when you give him a treat, make it a small treat. You can even take tiny puppy bone and break them in half. That way they don't get filled on junk food and they still have the sweet reward.