How To Train Your Dog To Fetch | Wag!

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The Basic Fetch MethodThe Basic Fetch Method3 VotesThe Without Treats MethodThe Without Treats Method2 VotesThe Phase Out MethodThe Phase Out Method0 VotesIntroduction

You love your pup to pieces, but sometimes giving him enough exercise can wear you out…

As the saying goes: "The devil makes work for idle paws." If your canine companion has a long-lasting battery and walks your legs down to stumps while he's not even out of breath, then teaching him to play fetch could be the answer.

It doesn't take much imagination to see how having a dog chasing after a ball and returning it can be of benefit. These days you don't even need a strong throwing arm, because neat little throwing devices can shoulder the effort. Imagine the difference this will make to walks. Heck, you can even sit on a park bench, relax, and take in the air while your dog runs to and fro, tiring himself out in the process.

The net result is a happy dog whose nicely tired and ready to return home for supper and a snooze, rather than rampaging through the house with pent-up energy.

TopDefining Tasks

So what exactly do we mean by 'Fetch'?

Fetch is a retrieval command, where the dog seeks out and brings back a given object. The pawfect 'Fetch' involves the dog dropping the ball or toy at your feet, ready to be thrown again. This latter part is the mark of a well-trained dog, which prevents the game degenerating into an unwitting game of tug.

Teaching 'Fetch' is a fun way to engage with your dog, get him listening to you, and get exercise at the same time! Can't get better than that. You can start teaching the basics to a puppy, as he will naturally chase after favorite toys and hopefully bring them back to continue play. The joy of 'Fetch' is you can teach it indoors with a soft toy, or outdoors with a ball.

As with any command, use reward-based training methods, which encourage the dog to act correctly, rather than punish mistakes.

TopGetting Started

You will need:

• Two identical balls or toys that the dog loves to play with
• Tiny, tasty titbits to use as rewards
• A longline
• Time and patience

Start training in a quiet, distraction-free space so the dog concentrates on you. But as his skills improve, you can seamlessly extend his training into play sessions in the park.

When practicing in public places, it's helpful for the dog to have a strong recall. If he is liable to run off, then use a longline so that you keep control if he gets distracted and takes off.

Remember, give your 'Fetch' command in a clear, excited voice, so he gets caught up in the spirit of the play and enjoys himself. But stop if the dog is losing interest and before he becomes overtired.

Top

The Basic Fetch Method

Most Recommended

3 Votes

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Most Recommended

3 Votes

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Sit

Have the dog perform the 'sit' command.

2

Get his attention

Get the dog's attention and show him the ball.

3

Toss the ball

Now toss the ball a few feet away and say "Fetch".

4

Encourage the chase

As the dog runs after the ball, say "Yes" in a happy voice to encourage him.

5

Encourage return

As he picks the ball up, make as if to move away from him or slap your thigh. The idea being to have him run back to you, rather than run off.

6

Get excited!

Act excited as your dog runs towards you.

7

Return the ball

Once he arrives at your feet, have him sit and then drop the ball into your hand or at your feet. You may give him a treat in order to get him to drop the object

The Without Treats Method

Effective

2 Votes

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Effective

2 Votes

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Use two balls

Have two identical balls, but keep one in a pocket out of sight.

2

Toss the ball

Start by tossing one ball a short distance away.

3

Encourage return

Attract the dog to you and praise him for bringing the ball back.

4

Introduce the second

If he doesn't 'Give' the ball, produce the second ball from your pocket.

5

Entice with the second ball

Show him the second ball and act like it's the best ball ever! Pretty quick, he'll drop the first ball (add a well timed 'Drop' as he opens his jaws).

6

Sit and toss

Now have him 'sit' and toss the second ball to chase.

7

Pocket the ball

While he's high-tailing it after that ball, pick up the original one and pop it out of sight into your pocket..

8

Repeat!

Keep it up! Repeat the steps above to train your dog how to fetch without any treats.

The Phase Out Method

Effective

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Toss the ball

Proceed with the basics of fetch, throwing the ball and having the dog bring it back.

2

Establish exchange

Once the dog is regularly exchanging one ball for another, you can phase out the second ball.

3

Withhold the second ball

This time, when the dog arrives at your feet, don't produce the second ball

4

Wait

Wait him out.

5

Return the ball

Say "Drop"....and wait.

6

Praise and continue!

Eventually, he will let go of the ball, at which point make a huge fuss of him and toss the ball for him to fetch

Written by Amy Caldwell

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 09/19/2017, edited: 01/08/2021

More articles by Amy Caldwell

• How to Train Your Dog to Ride a Bike with You
• How to Train Your Dog to Fetch a Dumbbell
• How to Train Your Dog to Use a Gentle Leader

Training Questions and Answers

Harveysproker19 monthsQuestion0 found this helpful0 found this helpful

We have been doing regular training sessions since a small pup..we currently go to distraction,scent and agility classes.so I have great help behind me ...however at agility he is more interested in chasing the other dogs or pinching the toys...he is so good at all asks but I am just not interesting enough and whistle and all commands become silent ....any ideas you can offer that will make me more I interesting than dogs and toys...i have treats of all values with me and toys and nothing seems to work..

Sept. 13, 2023

Harvey's Owner

Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer

1128 Dog owners recommended

Hello, Check out the Premack Principle from the article I have linked below. In the Premack principle the dog is taught that the quickest way to get to go over to the distraction is to respond to the handler first (you), so the distraction also becomes the reward when you set up training scenarios. I would see if there are a few ways you can apply that type of training into sessions. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/train-dog-to-come-when-called/ Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Oct. 9, 2023

Pepperwhite and black Chihuahua12Question0 found this helpful0 found this helpful

Sitting standing twirl and paw

Nov. 10, 2022

Pepper's Owner

Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer

1128 Dog owners recommended

Hello, How to teach Sit: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-sit Stand: https://wagwalking.com/training/stand-and-stay Check out trick #12 Twirl found in this article: https://www.petful.com/behaviors/what-tricks-can-i-train-my-dog/ Shake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRoDTUkzVpU Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Nov. 10, 2022

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