How to Teach Fetch to a Dog

Fetch combines several instincts: chasing, grabbing, and carrying. Retrievers have been bred for the entire sequence, while others, such as many hounds and herding breeds, may chase but not retrieve. Some dogs have never learned that bringing the toy back leads to more fun. Others have learned that if they run away, you will chase them, which is a more exciting game.

The good news is that you can teach the pieces. Start by finding a toy your dog loves, and building excitement. Then work on each step of the game, rewarding generously.

Choose a toy that your dog finds exciting: a ball, a soft toy, or a rope. Make it come alive by moving it along the ground, like prey, and letting your dog chase it. Let them catch it, and reward with praise and a treat. Keep sessions short and exciting, and end while your dog is still keen.

• Move the toy erratically on the floor, and let your dog pounce.
• Use a toy on a rope or a flirt pole for chasing practice.
• Hide the toy, and let your dog find it.
• Keep the toy special: use it only for these games.

Once your dog likes the toy, throw it a short distance, and encourage your dog to get it. When they pick it up, call them in a cheerful voice, and move backward, or crouch, to invite them to you. When they come, reward with praise and a treat, and then throw the toy again.

1. Throw the toy a short distance, in a hallway or small room.
2. When your dog picks it up, call them with a happy voice, and step back.
3. Reward when they reach you, even if they have dropped the toy.
4. Gradually increase the distance, and wait for them to bring it to you.
5. Reward holding the toy, then coming close, then bringing it all the way.
6. Keep every repetition short and positive.

A reliable drop keeps the game going. Teach drop it by trading: show a treat or another toy, and when your dog releases, say drop it and reward. Then throw the toy again. Dogs who learn that dropping leads to more play will be happy to let go.

Use two identical toys. When your dog returns with one, show the second, and throw it as soon as the first is dropped. This keeps momentum, and reduces the temptation to hold on.

If your dog picks up the toy and runs off, do not chase. Chasing makes the game more fun for them, and rewards keeping the toy. Instead, turn away, or walk in the other direction, so that your dog follows you. Use a second toy, a treat, or a happy voice to invite them back. If necessary, use a long line to guide them toward you, without yanking.

Practice in a small, enclosed space, such as a hallway, where there is less room to run. Reward every return, and keep early sessions very short. Over time, your dog will learn that coming to you is the best part of the game.

Note: Never punish a dog for coming back, even if they took a long time. Always reward the return.

Fetch can be hard on the body. Avoid throwing the ball too high, or encouraging jumping and twisting catches, which can strain joints and spines. Use soft, rolling throws, especially for puppies and older dogs. Choose a ball that is large enough that it cannot be swallowed, and replace worn toys. Play on soft surfaces, and in cool weather, with water available.

Do not overdo it. Some dogs will chase until they are exhausted, so you need to set limits. Keep sessions short, and mix fetch with other activities, such as training and sniffing, so that your dog does not become obsessed.