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Home » Home & Garden » Dog Tricks & Training » Cool Dog Tricks » Dog Fetch Training: How To Get Your Dog To Bring Something Back To You

Dog Fetch Training: How To Get Your Dog To Bring Something Back To You

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dog-fetch-training-by-Matt-McGee.jpg Have you tried to teach your dog to fetch a ball or a frisbee, but he won’t bring it back to you?

He’ll only catch, but not fetch and return the item to you?

Some dogs, when they’re given the fetch command, are more focused on the item they caught than on actually bringing it back to you. To get a dog to follow-through takes a bit more training (and patience).

Lots of dogs will chase after a ball or other retrieving toy, but when they get it they not only won’t bring it back, but actually run away from you with it when you try to get it back. Actually, the dog has simply taken charge of the game and changed the rules from “fetch” to “tag” or “keep away.”  Source

To get your dog to bring the item back to you when teaching your dog the fetch command, try the following dog fetch training tips…

 

Dog Fetch Training With My Dogs

My dogs are pretty good with the fetch command.

Teaching my dogs to fetch was actually pretty simple. And I’ve been lucky; they’ve always followed through without a problem.

Here’s how I did it:

  • With the toy in my hand, I asked them to sit.
  • Then, in a really excited voice, I asked if they were ready.
  • I threw the ball and — in an excited voice — said, “Go get it!”
  • Once they got close to the item I (again, in an excited voice) said, “Pick it up!”
  • After they picked up the item, I told them to “Bring it.”

By using the same cue words and keeping all of my commands in a very excited tone of voice, it kept my dogs interested in getting the item I tossed for them.

You might also want to try this with a treat in your hand, because some dogs are more motivated by treats than others.

 

Dog Not Following Through?

If you’ve tried those steps, and your dog still won’t follow through and bring the item back to you, it’s time for a new tactic.

Try simply getting your dog to run back to you after he has retrieved the item that you tossed for him.

Here’s how:

Once your dog has the item in his mouth, start running away from him.  That’s right… away from him! Your dog should instinctively start to run after you.  He thinks you want him to chase you.

 

Dog Drops The Item Too Early?

What if your dog repeatedly drops the item out of his mouth while running back to you or a few feet short of where you are?

In that case, try this:

  • Walk to the item he dropped.
  • Then, move the item, but don’t pick the item up.  (Your dog is more likely to pick up something that is moving, so just move the item around a bit with your foot.)
  • Don’t rush it. This process may take a few minutes before your dog picks up the item again.
  • Once your dog picks up the item, start running away from him to have him bring it back to you.  (By getting your dog to chase you, you are encouraging him to bring something back to you.)

 

See These Dog Fetch Training Tips In Action

In this video you can see step-by-step how to get your dog to follow-through with the fetch command and bring the item back to you:

 

Just For Fun

Once your dog begins to follow-through and he actually bring items back to you, it’s time to move on to fetching more unique items. (This will really impress your friends, too!)

For example, teach your dog to fetch the mail.

Once your dog gets the hang of “fetch,” he will be able to retrieve just about anything:

Don’t miss 101 Best Dog Tricks!


A Word Of Advice…

If you first teach your dog the fetch command indoors, it may be harder to achieve follow-through later when you ask him to fetch outdoors.

The reason is there are so many other sights and smells to distract him outside, so it will take a bit more practice (and patience on your part).
More Dog Fetch Training Tips

  • Dealing With The Reluctant Retriever
  • How To Encourage Natural Retrieving In A Puppy
  • VIDEO: Using 2 Items To Encourage Fetching Behavior
  • How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch
Carrie
Carrie

I have 2 Miniature Pinschers. My husband and I consider them our 4-legged kids.

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Filed Under: Cool Dog Tricks, Dog Tricks & Training, Home & Garden Tagged With: Dog Games & Activities, Dog Tricks To Try, Frisbee Fun For Dogs, Outdoor Fun With Dogs

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About Me

LynnetteI like to help Dog Parents find unique ways to do things that will save time & money -- so I write about "outside the box" Dog Tips and Dog Hacks that most wouldn't think of. I’m a lifelong dog owner -- currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. I've always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians -- whom I consult with regularly. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) I've been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started... and before the days of Facebook and YouTube). My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. I like to help dog owners understand what's 'normal' and what you can expect in terms of living with and training your dog -- how to get through the ups & downs of potty training, chewing, teaching commands, getting your dog to listen, and everything else that takes place during that hectic first year! When I'm not training, walking, grooming, or making homemade treats for my dogs, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). To date, I've written over 500 articles for dog owners on this site! Many of them have upwards of 200K shares.

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