6 ways to teach your adult dog to fetch
If you think that training your pet to catch and fetch is easy, then you are wrong! Dogs
by nature are social animals and people pleasers. Some dogs may easily grasp objects
and fetch them back to you while others need to be taught to do so.
A few might wonder why you threw an object at them, or they may not chase after it like
you expect them to. So, here are 6 easy steps to help your pet learn the game:
– Start by teaching them to chase the object. You can help them to do so by
providing them with delicious treats or by motivating them through affection. Do
whatever works with your pet. Encourage them to go near the object and when
they reach the object use positive reinforcements like treats to reward them.
Then take the object away from them. Repeat the step again by throwing the
object towards them. Once they pick it up reward and praise them. Repeat this
step a couple of times until your pet learns to do it without any help.
-Do you want to encourage them to chase the object more feverently? Then you
must try holding them back from reaching the object. They will tug against you
even while you motivate them to reach the object as you hold them back. Once
you let them go they will go after the object like greased lightning!
-Once your pet has learnt to chase the object the next thing for them to learn is to
bring it back to you. So, the best thing for you to do is to use two toys. Throw the
first toy, once he catches the toy throw them the second one in the opposite
direction. While he cannot carry both the toys at the same time, he will learn to
drop the first toy to go for the second and come after you with the object. With a
lot of practice your pet will learn that if they come back to you with the object you
will throw it back to them again.
-The next step is to get the object back. Once your pet has learnt to chase the
object and return it back to you, make sure they come near you and drop the
object. Some may stop at the middle and drop the object. Firmly tell them to
come all the way to you and praise them if they do so. If they still do not do it
then ask them to drop it and show them a treat. They will immediately drop it and
go for the treat.
-One of the most important thing for you to do is to find an object that your pet is
most likely to chase after. So, through trial and error you can find the perfect
object that your pet is interested to play catch and fetch. It could be a ball, a stick
or a Frisbee.
Patience and perseverance along with a stock of delicious treats will help your pet learn
the game. If you still think you need professional help then you can always contact a
trainer.
Happy Parenting!
