Simple Steps on How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch

Having a dog that can fetch things up is a rewarding experience not only for the dog, but also most especially for the owner. Teaching a dog to fetch is not that difficult, what a good pet owner needs is just an ample amount of patience and devotion. Over time, the clever pooch would just catch up to the rules of the game. Some sites offer "how to teach your dog to fetch" techniques that are a bit complicated and are not really straightforward, when all that's needed are actually just the basic tricks to apply. For the simplest of steps on how to teach your dog to fetch, read through.

How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch

Before anything else, the owner must find of a cue that will be used to command the dog to fetch. A cue may be a single word such as "fetch" or a gesture such as a clap. Just make sure though that the cue would not be mistaken for any other command. Then, choosing a good location for the dog training is important. The training spot should be free from all distractions and must be a safe place with a boundary.

After securing these two things – the cue and the location. The dog training proper is ready to be done. There are two methods that can be applied when teaching a dog to fetch, the first one is the "bait and switch" routine and the other one is the "forced retrieve" method.

In the bait and switch routine, the owner makes use of two identical objects; say for example - two tennis balls (Ball A and B). The owner must leash the dog to keep it under control. Then the succeeding actions go like this: The owner hides Ball A, and shows Ball B to the dog then throws it into a short distance. The owner must then release the dog and say or do the "cue." The dog would run off to get the toy and pick it up. When the dog begins to return Ball B, the owner then should this time, show Ball A. This would make the dog drop Ball B and direct its attention now to Ball A. When the dog returns, the owner must leash it again. Then the routine is done once more – but now with Ball A. The owner throws the ball, gives the cue, and unleashes the dog. And while the dog is out to get Ball A, the owner must retrieve Ball B. The owner repeats this routine several times, while using the same command.

As for the second technique, which is the forced retrieve, the object (ball or toy) is thrown at a short distance. Then the owner walks the dog to the object while commanding that the dog should pick it up. When the dog picks it, the owner rewards the dog with praises or treats.

Sometimes, the dog gets unmotivated to pick up the toy. To increase the dog's interest, the owner may give dog treats and plenty of praises. Treats and praises create a positive reinforcement. This will boost the dogs desire to do the fetch trick because it pleases its owner. Be sure too to end the game before the dog gets tired or bored.

Patience and perseverance is an important aspect in dog training. That's why owners must keep that bad mood at bay when the pooch seems to be uneager to play fetch. But if the dog training is consistent and the dog gets into the habit, the happiness that this trick gives is indeed satisfying. Most likely, even the owner would be the one getting tired of saying, "Go fetch!"

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L Jovindah is an author who is passionate about animals and dogs in particular. She has helped many with dog training through her articles and helpful information. To find out more about dog training and L Jovindah visit her website at www.fulldogtraining.com/

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