Teach Your Dog to Fetch
Most puppies and dogs enjoy carrying around toys, balls, or sticks they find and owners take joy by taking this natural behavior and making it into a game of 'fetch.' You should avoid teaching your dog, though, to fetch sticks as your dog can inadvertently injure itself by getting stabbed by the stick it is chasing. Carry a ball or toy with you on walks for your dog to fetch.
If your dog will carry a toy, it is a simple extension to teach him to fetch. With a lead attached to your dog, toss the toy a short distance followed by the command 'fetch.' When your dog picks up the toy, call him and gently reel him in on the lead while praising him the whole time. If he drops the toy, stop the praise, pick up the toy and start again. Do not chastise or scold him. Praise and encouragement only comes while your dog is holding the toy. Once your dog has delivered you the toy, don't go overboard on the praise. This will only serve to make the dog drop the toy before getting to you and thinking the praise comes from dropping the toy. Gradually extend the distance, but keep the lead on until you are certain your dog will fetch and come back each time.
If your dog does not carry toys around naturally, he will need to be taught through gentle repetition and praise. Start by choosing a toy that is easy for the dog to hold and is soft in his mouth, such as a tennis ball. Place the lead on your dog, and then calmly get him to sit. Gently open his mouth and place the toy in his mouth and giving the command, 'hold; good boy.' Remove the toy quickly before your dog has a chance to spit it out. Your dog may try to stand up, struggle, and reject the toy, but keep calm and friendly. If you get annoyed with him, he may associate your annoyance with the toy. The more annoyed you get, the more he fights it.
Having the toy in his mouth just for a split-second along with pleasure and praise will gradually lead to longer durations of holding the toy. If you do not struggle with your dog or lose your temper, eventually your dog will understand what 'hold' means. Remember praise must only come while your dog is holding the toy. Once the dog drops the toy, the praise stops.
After a while you will see your dog take its own interest in the toy and start reaching out for it on his own accord. At this stage extend your arm out and allow your dog to reach out and take the toy and give the command to fetch. Praise him and guide him back toward you with the leash while he is holding the toy. Do this while holding the toy in your hand the whole time to give him confidence. Your dog is now learning to go out, pick up, and bring back the toy. Gradually over time hold the toy lower to the ground until you no longer need to hold the toy. With a lead attached to your dog, toss the toy a short distance followed by the command 'fetch.' When your dog picks up the toy, call him and gently reel him in on the lead while praising him the whole time. If he drops the toy, stop the praise, pick up the toy and start again. Gradually extend the distance, but keep the lead on until you are certain your dog will come back each time.
