A 5-Step Guide to How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch

When a dog owner thinks about a game to play with their dog, the first that might cross their mind is the game of fetch. Indeed, most dogs enjoy bringing back toys after you throw them. However, some dogs find it more challenging to grasp the concept of fetch because they need more experience playing with toys.

If you’re wondering how to teach fetch to your dog, this blog post will provide tips and tricks for the training process. Let’s dive in.

Supplies You Need to Start

Stocking up on needed items is a solid foundation for an efficient and successful training process. That’s why preparing toys and rewards you’ll rely on while teaching your dog to fetch in advance is a good idea.

Consider using the following:

• Toys your dog likes (you can opt for a ball, plush toys, or toys with Velcro compartments to place treats in for non-toy motivated dogs)

• A clicker (if you’ve introduced your dog to clicker training)

• High-value treats to use as rewards

How to Motivate Your Dog to Fetch

The key to making the training process run smoothly is to motivate your dog to follow your cues. Fetch is no exception. Some dogs struggle to retrieve the toys simply because they’re disinterested in the activity.

Here is how you can motivate your dog to fetch:

• Start with playing a tug-of-war game using a toy you want your dog to fetch later
• Make the process more enticing by putting the treats inside the toy
• Use the toy to tease your dog and grab their attention

Pro tip: teach your dog the “Drop it” command and a reliable recall before training the fetch.

Now that your dog is eager to play with the toy, it’s time to introduce them to the game of fetch.

How to Train Your Dog to Fetch

We’ve collected some practical and time-tested tips on training your dog in the fetch game. Let’s discuss how to teach fetch to a dog in five steps.

Step 1. Find an Enclosed Space

This step is essential for keeping your dog focused on the activity. Choose a space like a fenced backyard or a hallway to limit your dog’s options where they can go. Let the dog explore the place before you start the training process.

In addition to ensuring a better concentration level, choosing the right training spot will give your dog fewer places to take the object you throw. As a result, your dog will more quickly grasp the concept of bringing the toy back to their owner.

Step 2. Practice Chasing the Toy

Whether you opt for a ball or another toy, throw it a short distance and make your dog chase it. This step comes naturally to many dogs as they’re programmed to chase after things you throw. However, some dogs require an introduction to the toys.

An excellent way to engage your dog in the interaction with a toy is to tease them with it. You can bounce or roll the toy to the dog to excite them. Remember to keep the toy in the dog's line of sight to keep their focus and make them grab it.

Step 3. Teach the Dog to Return the Ball

Now that your dog has mastered chasing the toy you throw, you can teach them to bring the toy back to you.

We recommend breaking this step into three parts:

• Throw the toy a short distance, about 10 feet
• Call your dog back after they take the toy in their mouth
• Reward your dog: use a clicker or mark the behavior with a praise word and treat the dog

Keep repeating the steps to build a strong association between returning the toy and the reward they get for doing so.

Step 4. Introduce the “Drop It” Cue

Teaching your dog to drop the toy after they return it can get tricky. Some dogs need more practice to understand the “Drop it” part of the fetch game. Luckily, you can help them get it quicker.

You can hold the toy while it’s in your dog’s mouth and give them the “Drop it” command.

Keep holding the toy until the dog releases it. Alternatively, you can have the treat in your hand and bring it to the dog’s nose so that they can smell it and drop the toy to get the treat. When your dog comes back to you, they will drop the toy to pick up the treat.

Step 5. Play the Game Consistently

Regular practice is the key to success. But remember that fetch has a game element. Keep it fun and exciting for your furry pal so they experience the joy of having a ball thrown repeatedly. Allocate 5-10 minutes of the fetch game regularly to help your dog master it and spend quality time with you.

Pro tip: ensure your dog is warmed up before throwing the toy. If your dog is prone to joint injuries, opt for other games, such as tug-of-war or hide-and-seek.

Wrap-Up

Most dogs grasp the fetch game easily. If your dog needs more help acquiring it, you can arrange a training session in enclosed spaces using positive reinforcement. Teach your dog to chase, return, and drop the toy. Practice the activity consistently, use praise and rewards, and keep the activity fun and enticing.