Teaching Fetch / Retrieval
Fetching is a basic skill, but there are a few problems you can run in to while teaching your dog to retrieve. After your dog has mastered fetching, you can move on to advanced tricks retrieval-based tricks.
How to teach your dog fetch
Hopefully, your dog already likes balls or sticks. If so, this process should be easy.
Throw a ball -- not too far, and give the command "Fetch". Your dog will go get the ball. Now give the command to come back "Come", "Here" or whatever you will use to get your dog to return to you.
Easy, eh? Here is the important part: When you dog returns with the thrown object ignore the ball completely, and just give your dog praise. Do not try to take the ball away from your dog. Now give the command to "Sit" and "Stay". If you try to take the ball away, the dog might get in the habit of dropping the ball before they even reach you.
This is a good time to teach your dog how to give you back the ball or "drop" it. Dogs who really love chasing the ball might do this all on their own. Even if they do drop the ball with no intervention from you say "Drop it" as they do. Otherwise read our advice on how to teach the "Drop It" command.
When they drop the ball, give them more praise. Throw the ball again, giving the fetch command. Repeat the whole process, and practice until this is second nature.
For dogs who won't bring back an object
Simply tie a long rope to your dogs collar. After they get the thrown object and start playing and messing around instead of returning like a good pup -- give a tub on the rope and say "Come".
If the tug doesn't work, pull them right back to you with the rope. Give praise and repeat. Soon they will come back (happy that they arn't been dragged back) all on their own.
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