Dog Obedience Training - How To Train A Dog To Fetch

It's certainly the case that for some dogs and particular breeds learn to fetch allot faster than other breeds. If you wan to teach any dog to fetch then follow these steps and it shouldn't be a problem.

Tip 1 - Stage 1

• Make sure you use something that your dog has familiarity with and enjoys. I taught my first dog to fetch by using his favorite furry teddy (with a squeak). I used this because my dog already enjoyed playing with this toy so it made the training process easier right from the start.
• The reason that I used a squeaky toy was it instantly focused his attention when I threw it.
• Although ropes and tug toys maybe one of your dog's favorite toys -don't use it when training to fetch as your dog is more accustomed to tug-of-war, and will want to play this with you instead of learning to fetch.

Tip 2 - Stage 2

• In this stage you need to place your dog on a leash.
• You need to use a relatively long leash, something about 10 foot or slightly longer is perfect. The reason behind using a leash is that you don't want to be chasing after your dog and trying to retrieve him.
• The longer the leash the better as it will enable your dog to run to fetch his toy but with you still having an element of control.

Tip 3 - Stage 3

• I always use treats when I am training any dog to fetch - this keep and holds their attention.
• This stage is possibly the most difficult as you want to keep your dog your dog's attention on the toy, the treats and on you.
• If you are starting the fetch training with a puppy - do the fetch training over a period of about a week - keep practicing this stage by trying to hold your puppies attention.
• When fetch training a puppy - make sure you end the training before he loses his attention - this will keep your puppy interested every time you restart the fetch training process.

Tip 4 - Stage 4 - Fetch

• Right here we go...

• Now you have your dog on a leash, a toy, your dog's undivided attention, and a treat - You are now ready to to start the fetch training process.
• Hold your dog/puppy quite tightly on the leash and keeping his attention - wave the toy in front of him and the throw it away - only a few feet - you want it to be in your dog's eye line.
• As you throw it say in a firm voice 'fetch' and let your dog run after the toy.
• When your dog has got the toy in his mouth gently draw the dog back in with your leash.
• When he is within reach, offer the treat and say 'give' and take the toy from your dog's mouth.
• Make sure you aren't pulling and tugging for the toy-this isn't a game and your dog needs to understand that.
• Now it's time to praise your dog - make a really big deal of it make your dog realize that you are thrilled. Repeat 'good dog' and pat and pet him.
• Continue to repeat stages 4 and 5 until you feel he is getting bored or losing his attention

If you repeat this over the course of a week - any dog even the most stubborn breed will learn to fetch