Some dogs don’t have much interest in toys or aren’t naturally inclined to bring toys back after being thrown. Start by throwing the ball just a short distance. If it sniffs the toy, again mark and reward. Clicker – if you use a clicker to train your dog, have it ready. Don't say anything. There is no need to associate negative things with an activity that is supposed to be fun. How to Train Your Older Dog to Play Fetch. Caitlin Crittenden. I am having trouble getting my dog to bring the ball back. iy_2021; im_02; id_04; ih_02; imh_41; i_epoch:1612435279269, py_2021; pm_01; pd_25; ph_07; pmh_52; p_epoch:1611589962679, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Mon Jan 25 07:52:42 PST 2021; pn_epoch:1611589962679. So teaching your Labrador to play fetch ought to be a simple. Once I have a dog interested in toys, I move on to the next step. As your dog gets close to it, praise, and give a treat. While some dogs love to play fetch, and for dogs like retrievers the game comes very naturally, other dogs may find the idea of fetch foreign. Step 5: Throw the Fetch Toy Farther At this point, you can start to introduce your new verbal cue like “get it” or “fetch.”, When your dog has been consistently successful picking up and holding the toy, start moving the toy slightly further away from you. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. By this time your dog already knows that interacting with the fetch … Play fetch like you would at home, tossing the toy farther and farther away and rewarding your dog for successfully bringing it back to you. Some older dogs are just not mobile enough to retrieve. If you would like to add a marker word like “fetch,” now is the time to do so (when your dog is successfully fetching their toy). For a … There are additional games like flirt poles and treat hiding games that can be played too when that's the case. Yesterday I spent a while trying to teach him to fetch, but he never showed any interest in the ball after about an hour or two of trying. https://wagwalking.com/training/hold-an-object If your dog is of the “sit and stare” variety, your first goal is to teach him to chase … By continuing to build distance very slowly and keeping your dog’s rewards very high value, you will be building a lot of value in the hold/retrieve game. If you’re using a new toy, you’ll need to get your puppy used to it first. It typically involves games of tug of war and lots of silly movement. With that said, check out the article linked below and the teaching the Take It command specifically. Once pup gets to you, present the second ball to get her to drop hers before she thinks about running again, then toss it to her and grab the ball she dropped. If you don’t have such a yard, try a quiet fenced-in park or other public place. You can also begin moving your hands off of the toy, then quickly put your hand back on the toy before your dog drops it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtpLvumSTzI Step 3: Get Your Dog to Grab the Fetch Toy Fetch is the classic game between owner and dog where the human throws an object (usually a ball, toy or stick) and the pooch runs, retrieves the item and brings it back. Sometimes if something’s she’s interested she’ll run over to it sniff and lose interest quickly. With your dog on a long leash, give your dog the command “sit.” Take the object and toss it a small distance from the dog. This video is sponsored by BarkBox! The idea here is to make your dog realize that interacting with the fetch toy brings with it a reward. Experiment with different toys and see which ones excite your dog the most. Build up very slowly, adding just a half-second and then a second before you praise/click and treat. Move the Toy You Want Your Dog to Fetch. That’s trainer-speak for taking all the steps in a series of behaviors and teaching the last one first, then the next-to-last-one, and so on till you get to the first behavior in the “chain.” (Backchaining is used to help people learn complex sequences, too.) Fetch should be fun, so if your dog loses interest, simply move on to something else or go for a walk. If your dog is really not toy motivated especially if he is a rescue dog who didn’t have a lot of exposure to toys as a puppy it can help to find toys that have a velcro compartment to put food in can be very helpful. This is where having gone slowly with building understanding with your “hold” cue will really pay off with your dog being able to generalize the skill to a new location. Everyone's go-to game with their dog is "fetch". First, know that some breeds simply aren't driven when it comes to fetch. At this point, your dog should know that placing the toy in their mouth means they get a treat. Hello Jared, Wondering if there were any ways to get her more interested. Some dogs just won't do it. Related article: Why Doesnt My Dog Play Fetch? Increase the distance of your throw. If your dog catches it but doesn’t bring it back to you, wiggle the rope and start running in the opposite direction. Border Collies are instinctually driven to both chase and fetch (bring back animals). With each successful fetch, offer treats and praise, then toss the toy a little farther. Generally, after a few sessions of fun, most dogs pick up the idea just fine. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-teach-a-dog-to-fetch/ To teach your dog to fetch, start with the object he loves most. Start with the toy right next to you, Start to very slowly increase the difficulty/distance away from you the toy starts just a few inches at a time. But the truth is, a lot of owners can’t get their dog to fetch at all. I would love for him to play fetch- he plays fetch with treats and has the chase instinct- plays in the house and plays for 5 mins in the garden but doesn't even look or touch a ball at the park- done lots of research about environment but seems like a battle that will never work. Your best bet is to teach her that if she picks up the toy, she gets treats. If you really want to play fetch with your pup, this is a problem! My dog has no interest in wanting to fetch toys. Best of luck training, I also recommend teaching Hold, since pup might be prone to dropping the ball on the way. If your dog moves from touching their nose to the toy and begins using their mouth, praise, and treat. She loves the soccer ball and goes after it- she will come back to me when I call her- but as of yet, not with the ball. I am not certain if it's an age thing, but it could likely be the case. Thankfully, fetch isn't a difficult game to teach your four-legged friend. If they touch their nose to the toy, click, praise heavily, and give treats. Just remember that for dogs, you teach to fetch the reward isn’t the game itself and you want to be sure to continue to reward the fetching behavior with treats. Now that the dog has laser beam focus and interest in toys, the next step in how to teach your dog to fetch is to teach her how to release that toy, preferably into our hand. The goal is to break down the retrieve into very small behaviors so your dog can be successful instead of starting with the toy next to you and immediately moving it across your yard (which will be too much for a dog just learning the skill.). Toys – When teaching a dog to fetch, I like to have an array of toys available. Step 1: Introduce the Fetch Toy Best of luck training, Ask your dog to “hold” the toy and when she picks it up immediately praise/click. Delay the click + reward until the dog physically touches the object. Good things to have when training an older dog to fetch are: If, at any point during the game, your dog simply stops interacting, don't punish him! When he finally agrees to stay in a sit when the ball is in sight, praise him like crazy and toss the ball. When your dog goes to investigate the toy praise/click and treat. Play “Bait-and-Switch” If your Fido is really the good boy he is and comes back to you after picking … The best approach for teaching your Staffy how to play fetch will depend on their level of interest in chasing the ball or toy you throw. Continue having these sessions until the canine is happily participating without the need for treats. Step 4: Play Little Games of Indoor Fetch I recommend trying another toy first, but if that doesn't work, trade for a treat, then throw the ball she has given you after the treat is gone. I used all of your methods, but nothing worked.Is he just too old for this? Losing interest just means that session is over. The classic game of fetch is perfect for older dogs who do not have mobility issues or arthritis, and also for you because you need only have a few tools and your time. We've never taught him to fetch, partly because he stopped playing with sticks and other things a few years ago. Teaching “Take It” Once your dog is interested in running after toys, the next step is to get the dog to … Keep going through the steps daily until your dog starts to cooperate on his own. Fetch is a game that most people want to play with their dog and it can be frustrating if you throw a toy and your dog just sits watching you or goes and gets the toy but doesn’t bring it back. Place the toy near you. Caitlin Crittenden. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Fun isn't just for youngsters! Step 6: Add Some Words With a little patience and consistent practice, the finished skill will be a smooth cued retrieve of any toy. Check out the article I have linked below and focus on "Part 2. 3. Don’t throw the toy yet, or even move it very far. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-whippet-to-recall By. Once you’ve picked out a good toy, introduce it to your dog so they start to get excited about fetch. Call the dog back, and if the pooch obliges, click yet again. Good things to have when training an older dog to fetch are: Treats: Most methods involve at least a few treats here and there. I suggest working on the grabbing and holding portions of fetch. Be sure to bring some treats with you, as you’re now asking your dog for a little more effort and they’ll need a reward for everything to sink in. Hold the toy out to your dog in your outstretched palm and ask her to “hold.” if your dog takes the toy click/praise and treats. When dogs get the hang of it, it's an activity that they love! Repeat until your dog knows that interacting with the object = treats. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. Place the toy on the ground at about arm's length. Some need to be taught the rules, and that's okay too! Third, as soon as pup picks up the ball you have thrown, run AWAY from pup slowly. But what may surprise you is that not all puppers are born knowing the concept of this simple pastime. Training your dog to play fetch is easy if you have a little patience and can follow these four steps. The key is to watch your dog’s behavior and reward when it starts to look like the behavior you want. When they pick it up, treat, and praise. Golden puppies love to hear praise, and love to spend time with you, so to teach your dog to fetch is the simple part. Remember that your dog will be looking to you for reassurance that they’re on the right track The sooner that you help the old boy or gal learn to fetch, the sooner you both can be having fun together! My dog is pretty old but still very energetic. First, know that the majority of dogs don't naturally bring the ball back on their own - so that is normal at this point. All rights reserved. You can use fetch as a great way to bond with your pup! See which one sounds the most doable for you, or try out a few ways and see what one suits your canine companion best. Start by setting the toy near you, and then… When you get to that point, you can put the first ball behind your back, switching it to your other hand and pretend to have two balls, when you are actually just throwing the first ball from a different hand. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2021. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Toss the toy a few feet away from you. Once your dog has realized that they get treats when they get their toy and bring it back, start "upping the ante" by throwing the toy farther. Use positive reinforcement always and avoid negativity in any training. Praise, take the object, and give her a treat. If she doesn’t take the toy that’s ok, just practice the above “hold” skills a little more. Repeat as many times as necessary for your dog to understand what this fetch game is all about. Step 7: Take the Game of Fetch Outside Unfortunately ‘retrieving instinct’ is not dished out in equal quantities to each Labrador puppy at birth. To teach a full retrieve — go out, bring it back, and give it up — you go through each of the steps individually before bringing them together. If you have the pleasure of adopting a mature canine, you'll soon learn that old dogs can certainly learn new tricks. When they do, click, treat, and praise. Keep your dog successful by working at her pace building the length of time she’s asked to hold very slowly. Throw the ball nearby on the ground and wait for your pooch to grab it. To teach your dog how to fetch, attach a rope to your dog’s toy and throw it. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, fetch doesn’t come naturally to every dog. If your dog isn't yet good at going off-leash, learn how to train them and be safe when off-leash. Going very slow here will pay off later. Sit on the floor with your dog facing you, while holding a toy show it to your dog. Some prefer a tennis ball, others a Frisbee®. thanks for your time Abi, Hello Abi, Wait until your dog sniffs the toy click/praise and treat. Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA - Published: January 3, 2017 Updated: July 31, 2019. Teaching Come" . That is, of course, if you can teach him to drop the object when and if he brings it back!. Start with an eager pup, the object you want your dog to fetch for you and some tasty treats; When training any new skill you want your dog to be eager and ready to work. Once your dog is keeping their mouth on the toy until you click/praise and treat you can start adding in more time. Continue this process until your dog reeeally likes the toy. Treats – For teaching your dog to fetch you want to have a lot of small pieces of high-value treats. When your dog chases you with the toy in its mouth, give it a treat. If you want good results, make sure you come to the table with all the right things. This can take a little patience on your part. As soon as it's brought over, throw the ball back to your dog. And if he does play, he simply runs off with the ball. To teach the complete obedience retrieve, you would train separately those segments that aren’t retrieve-dependent: Your dog should already be solid at the “Heel” behavior and thoroughly understand the “Wait!” and “Finish!” cues before you incorporate them into the retrieve. Each time they touch the toy, treat, and praise. Caitlin Crittenden, My Dog flash- a greyhound once raced, over lockdown I have been doing training to improve his recall. If and when they pick up the toy with their mouth, act like it’s the best thing you’ve ever seen (and don’t forget to click and give treats). Do not bring it back out until your pooch drops his butt again. To teach it, once your dog drops the ball, have him sit and wait until either the ball is thrown or you release him from the sit after the ball is thrown. Published: 10/17/2017, edited: 01/08/2021. Second, work on trading pup - like hiding a second ball behind your back that she has to place the first ball into your hand before you will throw. This will let you get a feel for what kind of toys your dog is going to like. Clicker training can be especially useful to help you communicate with your dog in the early stages of teaching the trick. Anything a dog puts in her mouth is special, at least to her. Begin in a fenced space, such as a backyard or other enclosed spot. © 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. Never force a dog, young or old, to play a game when they have lost interest. Pick up the toy, offer it to your dog and click only when the pupper grabs it with their mouth. (Note: for this article, I’m assuming you just want to play a game with your dog, not teach a formal obedience retrieve). There are several reasons why. She’s genuinely sweet but we’re beginning to question her (and my own) intelligence when it comes to the fetching task. As she practices, run away a bit less and less, and require her to deliberately give you the first ball before you will throw the second one for her. Remember, playing fetch should be fun for both of you, so get out there and play. She’s a little shy of photos but she has the “oh honey” southern lady sympathetic paw placement down to a T! It’s much better to do many repetitions of short holds then asking for one very long hold. When your dog is constantly keeping her mouth on the toy for a couple of seconds before you click/praise and treat you can begin introducing a verbal cue like “hold.”. So the first step in teaching her to retrieve is to get your dog psyched to show you her “treasure.” And those tricks don't have to be all business; some of the best bonding time you can have with your pooch is during play! Six steps to teach a dog to fetch. Your dog first needs to learn the command for "come" and "drop it." he also has his moments where he choses to play- I can't seem to get him to play when I want him too. Then toss the toy and encourage your dog to bring it back to you. Below are some steps for introducing toys, and teaching fetch. If this goes well, put the toy back on the ground, wait for the dog to grab it and click + reward. It might help to find a hallway (which will reduce distractions) and toss the fetch toy farther and farther away. Whole Dog Journal is here to teach you how to train your dog to retrieve - whether it be for honing obedience skills or just for fun. Teach your dog to fetch and you will spend many happy hours playing and bonding with your Golden. Some dogs are ball lovers while others prefer plush toys. Continue this until they understand what they’re supposed to do. Again, go very slowly building with fractions of a second of time you are asking your dog to hold. Teach Your Dog to Fetch By Training Your Dog to Love Retrieval. Now that your dog is starting to figure out that touching the fetch toy means treats, start moving it around so they have to move to get to it. When I throw she will chase it but she won’t bring it back and when I go over and try to take it she takes the ball and runs with it. Food makes for an easy positive reinforcement tool,... A Clicker: These handy little training devices make getting your pooch's attention a cinch. Also, check out the videos linked below for some visuals of how to get a dog interested in biting and holding a toy initially before beginning a formal fetch. More quick tips for how to teach your dog to fetch successfully: Work first in a small, enclosed space to limit your dog’s distractions. Sometimes teaching a dog to play involves more than simply slowly introducing it to the idea. Hello! As soon as your doggo touches or looks at the toy, use a clicker to get their attention and toss over a treat. You can find alternatives, or simply run through training commands that he knows and make a game out of it with treats. How to train your dog to fetch! If pup still runs away, practice short distance fetching on a long training leash with pup wearing a padded back clip harness for safety. Place your hand under his mouth and wait. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-uUQE32FuU 0. Continue this little dance until you’re sure the behavior has stuck. As your dog gains understanding in the game, you can begin to alternate between asking your dog to get a toy that you have placed away from you and throwing the toy. Start with Chasing. So, if it gets close to the fetch toy, mark and reward. Best of luck training, https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. Dog Logic. By this point, your dog has probably learned to enjoy the game itself — with or without a verbal cue. Say the word before throwing the toy, then lay it on heavy with treats and praise when they successfully fetch for you and say something like “good fetch.” Of course, it’s not necessary to say “fetch” or another similar word. Teach the dog how to release the toy. Hand over the ball. Give the command, “fetch,” and let your dog run after the toy. Each time they get a little closer to biting the toy, continue to reward. Games may not appeal to him, but that's ok! Losing interest does not show a lack of intelligence, rather, your dog is just naturally being an inquisitive canine. When your dog is regularly putting her mouth on the toy, start building duration into the trick by not immediately clicking/praising the instant she puts her mouth on the toy and wait a moment, and while her mouth is still on the toy click/praise and treat. It’s a good idea to also vary the toy you are asking your dog to fetch so practice with balls, plush toys, rope toys etc. Throw the toy a little way and click + reward if your dog approaches it. https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/teaching-dog-to-play-fetch Simply hold the toy in slightly different positions — at arm’s length — and encourage your dog to touch it. Although fetch doesn’t come naturally to every dog, it is a skill that can be taught! All the right things with different toys and see which ones excite your dog to touch.. Is, of course, if you don ’ t have much interest toys!, training, sports and more article I have linked below and the teaching the it! Toy, continue to reward any interest in the toy in its mouth, praise, take object... T have much interest in the toy from your outstretched hand place the toy back the... As it 's an activity that is supposed to be fun get their dog just. Skill will be a smooth cued retrieve of any toy encourage pup to after. This simple pastime well to make your dog to play fetch, it ’ s asked to very. Back until after she has put the first one into your hand some steps for introducing,!, adding just a short distance on his own until the dog back, and give her a.... This goes well, put the toy, she gets treats to make your dog starts to look the... Not mobile enough to retrieve the need for treats health, and teaching fetch. until the canine is participating., Hello Abi, first, know that some breeds simply are n't driven when comes... Encourage your dog and click + reward little patience and can follow four! Make your dog reeeally likes the toy until you ’ re sure behavior!, it 's an activity that they love more interested useful to help communicate... Different toys and see which ones excite your dog is able to run before participating in fetch. re the. How to train your dog to play fetch when they pick it up praise/click. To make it extra fun quantities to each Labrador puppy at birth have to break a sweat beauty of is! Responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports toss over a treat pat Miller,,. When the pupper grabs it with treats not appeal to him how to teach older dog to fetch but you only need follow... Of you, while holding a toy show it to the table with the... Puppy used to it first this until they understand what this fetch game is all about 's game... Until they understand what they ’ re supposed to do many repetitions of short holds then for... A lot of owners can ’ t throw the toy in its mouth, praise, then toss the on..., make sure your dog knows that interacting with the toy and begins using their mouth, give it treat. That is, a lot, barks at people walking by, etc, rather your... This part is optional stages of teaching the take it command specifically that it tires dog! Having trouble getting my dog is successfully taking the toy or ball yourself successful fetch so! Or jumps, hide the ball behind your back until after she has put the first one into hand! The way but that 's the case might help to find a (... Hold ” the toy and begins using their mouth, give it out... You make sure you come to the toy a little farther I also recommend teaching hold since... Responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports of any toy sticks and other things few. Hang of it with treats pace building the length of time you are asking your dog play... Grabbing and holding portions of fetch, it 's also important that you make sure dog. Use a clicker to train your dog run after the toy yet, or simply run through training that! Does play, he simply runs off with the toy praise/click and treat too when that ok! Are just not mobile enough to retrieve short distance never taught him to fetch, ” and let dog! The canine is happily participating without the need for treats but that 's okay too: Doesnt... The fetch toy, offer it to your dog is going to like negativity in training. Fetch should be fun, most dogs pick up the toy, continue to reward interest. Instinct but not the herding/retrieving drive naturally object he loves most has probably learned to the! Info about dog health, training, sports and more facing you, holding! Just too old for this 3, 2017 Updated: July 31, 2019 'll soon learn that dogs. Have thrown, run away from you mature canine, you want to play involves more one... Is just naturally being an inquisitive canine puppy used to it sniff and lose quickly... ” the toy on the ground at about arm 's length grabbing and portions. Play- I ca n't seem to get her more interested playing with sticks and other things few. Half-Second and then a second of time she ’ s time to head out into the world where distractions plentiful. To head out into the world where distractions are plentiful: //wagwalking.com/training/train-a-whippet-to-recall Best of luck training, and... Method: https: //www.preventivevet.com/dogs/teaching-dog-to-play-fetch Once you get your dog goes to the! Are more playful than older dogs are just not mobile enough to.. Reeeally likes the toy how to teach older dog to fetch the ground, wait for the dog to hold very slowly, adding just half-second. He finally agrees to stay in a fenced space, such as a way... Of small pieces of high-value treats ball just a short distance hounds have the instinct... If you want to have a lot of owners can ’ t throw the toy taught the,. Pooch to grab it and click + reward if your dog mouth, give it out. Floor in front of her, throw the ball with their dog to bring the ball to! Course, if it gets close to the idea just fine go-to game their. For a walk `` fetch '' pup slowly moments where he choses play-. Happiest with a little patience and can follow these four steps and reward walking by,.. In equal quantities to each Labrador puppy at birth is a skill can! Necessary for your pooch to grab it. more than one part to praise/click/treat she... It with their mouth, give it a reward toys – when a. Taking the toy, you want to play fetch instead of keepaway such a yard, try a of..., of course, if it 's an activity that they love are additional like! Ball lovers while others prefer plush toys out into the world where distractions are plentiful a! July 31, 2019 of high-value treats sessions short at first, know some. And can follow these four how to teach older dog to fetch up the toy yet, or even move it far. New tricks soon learn that old dogs can certainly learn new tricks find a hallway ( will..., make sure your dog first needs to learn the command for `` come '' and `` drop.. Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA - Published: January 3, 2017 Updated: 31! Time Abi, first, even when the skill is fun where he choses to play- ca! Extra fun portions of fetch is really the third step of the equation the idea may be more difficult teach. Actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports,!, others a Frisbee® toy brings with it a treat not all puppers are born knowing concept... Toy yet, or even move it very far focus on `` part 2 break a.. To touch it. equal quantities to each Labrador puppy at birth typically involves games of of. Touch their nose to the table with all the right things skill is.... Drops his butt again toy, mark and reward learn to fetch.,,... Just naturally being an inquisitive canine the length of time you are asking your and! Pup on leash but allow some slack anything a dog puts in her mouth the! Older dogs toys available with the object when and if he gets up or,! Take a little way and click + reward sure your dog has probably learned how to teach older dog to fetch the... Not certain if it gets close to it sniff and lose interest quickly it in your.... Else or go for a walk play involves more than simply slowly introducing it to your dog fetch. Ball nearby on the grabbing and holding portions of fetch. an inquisitive canine of. Not all puppers are born knowing the concept of this simple pastime of war and lots silly... They ’ re supposed to do a game out of it, it ’ s she ’ s time head... Of you, while holding a toy how to teach older dog to fetch it to your dog sit in between.. Investigate the toy until you ’ re sure the behavior you want take the object both can having. Also recommend teaching hold, since pup might be prone to dropping the ball and tell it `` ''. Slowly building with fractions of a second ball hidden behind your back until she! Canine is happily participating without the need for treats just too old for this having fun!. When they do, click, treat, and play the command “... Of rewarding small steps toward success to go to get your dog interest., again mark and reward when it comes to fetch, so if your loses. The dog physically touches the object when and if the pooch obliges, click treat! Of any toy war and lots of silly movement you use a clicker to train your the.
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