Teach Your Dog to Bring Things

Bringing things is a chain of behaviors. The dog must be willing to pick up an object, hold it gently, carry it to you, and release it into your hand. Each link needs to be solid before you put them together. Retrievers often find this natural, while other breeds may need more help. Whatever your dog, the key is to build the chain slowly.

Pick a first object that is easy to hold and fun: a soft toy, a small dumbbell, or a rolled sock. Later, you can move to useful items such as a leash, a TV remote, or a water bottle.

Keep each session short, and end on a success. If your dog struggles, go back one step.

1. Take it: reward your dog for sniffing, then touching, then mouthing the object.
2. Hold it: reward your dog for keeping the object in their mouth for one second, then longer.
3. Carry it: reward your dog for taking a few steps with the object.
4. Deliver it: reward your dog for placing the object in your hand, with a drop it cue.
5. Distance: gradually throw or place the object farther away, and ask your dog to bring it.
6. Name it: add a cue, such as bring it, and later teach names for specific objects.

The delivery is often the hardest part. Dogs who hold on tightly, or run away with the object, need a clear way to learn to let go. Teach drop it with a trade: show a treat, and when your dog releases the object, say drop it and give the treat. Practice with many objects, and always reward the drop.

Never pull an item from your dog's mouth, and avoid chasing. Both can lead to tug or keep-away. If your dog will not release, stop moving, wait, and offer a better treat, then try again later.

Note: If your dog growls or guards objects, do not practice this skill. Ask a qualified trainer for help with resource guarding first.

Not everything is a good candidate. Choose items that are safe, durable, and not too valuable. Avoid breakable objects, small items that could be swallowed, and anything with sharp edges or batteries. For a TV remote, use an old, unused one for practice. A soft leash or a toy is a good starting point.

• Soft toys and plush items.
• A sturdy leash, or a rolled towel.
• Slippers, if they are not precious.
• A plastic water bottle, with the lid secure.
• A purpose-made retrieve dumbbell.

If your dog will not pick up the object, make it more interesting: roll it, wiggle it, or put a scent on it. If they chew it, use a harder toy, and reward quick pick-ups, and a gentle mouth. If they drop it on the way, shorten the distance, and move closer. If they walk off with it, make yourself more exciting, by crouching and calling, and use a second toy to trade.

Be patient. Some dogs learn quickly, and others take weeks. Keep the game fun, and you will both enjoy the process.

Once your dog is reliable, you can teach practical uses: fetching a leash for walks, bringing a ball, or picking up dropped items. Add names for each object, and practice in different rooms. A dog who can bring you things has a fun job, and you gain a helpful companion.

Once your dog reliably brings one item, you can teach them to distinguish between objects. Start with two items, such as a toy and a slipper. Say the name of one as you present it, and reward when your dog touches or picks it up. Practice with each, then place both on the floor, and ask for one by name. Keep the early rounds easy, and add a third item only when your dog is reliable. Many dogs learn dozens of names with patient practice.

A leash is a useful and fun object to start with. Hang it on a low hook, and let your dog see you take it each time you go for a walk. Show it to your dog, and reward them for touching it. Ask them to take it in their mouth, and reward holding. Then walk a step away, and ask them to bring it to your hand. Reward and take your dog for a walk. Over time, you can ask your dog to fetch the leash from another room. Always supervise, and use a leash that is safe to carry.

Check each item to be sure it is safe to carry. Avoid items with sharp edges, small parts, or batteries. Teach your dog to give things up on request, and trade for treats. Do not use valuable or breakable objects, and keep medicines, glasses, and electronics out of reach. If your dog starts to guard items, stop training and seek advice from a qualified trainer.