How to train the dog to fetch
Are you aware that getting the attention of the sexy ladies on the beach would be a breeze if you have a dog that would play up and deftly catch the Frisbee every time you give the fetch command? It would certainly be lots of fun to play with a dog that can fetch. Unfortunately, dogs don’t come from breeder already trained to fetch. A retriever is a breed highly valued by hunters to get the game after the shot but the retrieving ability is not innate as these dogs have to undertake training before they can be useful hunter’s companions.
The fetch command is one of the basic obedience lessons that can be learned easily by the dog. Dogs are playful animals thus it would not be difficult to get them interested to the training at it will be viewed by the dog as another game. The dog’s inherent eagerness to please can be used by a dog owner to train the pet to fetch . Dogs are food motivated thus favorite treats can be used as positive reinforcement to make the training easier.
Before you start the training, play with the dog first. Gain the interest of the dog by playing with the ball in front of the pet. Toss the ball a few feet away and then retrieve. The dog will surely be enticed to play because dogs are naturally playful. Toss the ball again and give the “Fetch” command and let the dog go after the ball this time. The dog will touch the ball with its mouth but it will not retrieve. Praise the dog, get the ball and return to your original position. Repeat the process until the dog picks up the ball and returns it to you. Praise and reward the dog with a treat.
The reward will be associated by the dog to obeying the fetch command. Toss the ball a little farther and give the fetch command. The dog may run after the ball but it may not pick the ball. Do not give a treat. The dog must learn that if the ball is not returned, it will not be rewarded.
You can train a dog to fetch by using a toy filled with treats. Ensure that the treat cannot be easily removed from the toy. The purpose of using a baited toy will be lost if the dog can remove and eat the treat. The dog has to learn that if the baited toy is not returned to the owner, no reward will be received.
