Dog Training: Teach Your Dog To Fetch

Your dog needs exercise and teaching your dog to fetch is a great way to give both of you some exercise! You will have endless hours of fun playing together in the park or in your back yard. Remember to be consistent and to only use one word commands.

Dogs are a great deal of fun. They enjoy running through the yard and they love the attention from you. One of the basic commands to learn is for your dog to fetch a ball. You may want to throw the ball out into your yard and see what happens. He may look up at you, with a questionable look like now what? But that's okay, he will catch on.

Puppies learn faster then older dogs but, it is a simple command that you dog will be able to learn. Consistency matters. You want to make sure that you always use the same word, "Fetch" and use the same direct tone in your voice. Always state your commands as one word.

It is recommended that you start with two identical toys. Begin the exercise, by keeping your dog on a leash. Throw the animal, release the dog leash, and yell "Fetch" to your dog. Your dog may or may not pick up the stuffed animal and return it to you. If he does, praise him and give him a treat. If he does, not produce the stuffed animal then once again, yell "fetch" and release your dog. While your dog is retrieving the second toy, you will need to retrieve the first animal. Repeat this exercise several times, until your dog catches on.

Another method you may want to consider is the force method. This method is done by throwing the stuffed animal a short distance and then leading your dog to it. Your dog will most likely pick it up and then you will praise them.

Some are some tips to keep in mind when training your dog. You may want to throw the stuffed animal a short distance only. This way, your dog can see the object clearly and then knows to retrieve it. Experts also recommend that you use "fetch toys' only. Keep stuffed animals for fetching only. Your dog will soon learn to equate which animals he needs to fetch and which ones, he can play with.

Also, show your dog the stuffed animal first, so that they have a visual. This gives them a moment to see and recognize the animal and then to fetch it. Once your dog learns to fetch you can take him to the park and throw Frisbees, balls and stuffed animals. It is great exercise for you and your dog!