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So your pup has mastered this skill? Try these commands next:
How to Teach a Dog to Fetch FAQs
Q:
How can I teach my dog to fetch in the park?
A:Our dog training experts recommend teaching a dog fetch in a small, enclosed place when you first begin. Your house, apartment, or backyard is the perfect environment since it helps keep them focused on the task. Once your dog is reliably retrieving a toy and dropping it, you can graduate to a larger space such as the dog park.
Q:
Can I teach a senior dog to fetch?
A:The adage, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” is simply untrue. Senior dogs can learn many things, including how to fetch! The only limitations, of course, are their health and desire to learn said trick. Be mindful and accommodating of your older dog’s physical abilities. For example, you may need to throw the ball a shorter distance, use a squeaky or light-up toy that they can find more easily, or shorten the length of time you play.
Q:
What are the best toys to teach a dog to fetch?
A:The best toys for fetch are the objects your pet desires most! That might be a simple ball, their favorite toy, or perhaps something a bit fancier. Dog training experts recommend using an object that’s large enough for them to easily find, but not so large they cannot carry it easily. Also, durability is key as the object will see a lot of action. We recommend the KONG Classic Dog Toy, Chuckit! Classic Launcher, or Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Fetch Ball with Rope. Stuffed toys can work if they are durable and you don’t mind washing them often. Try out a couple different products and see which gets your dog excited and engaged.
Q:
My dog doesn’t fetch. What do I do?
A:If your pet seems completely uninterested in learning fetch, there’s no need to force it. Some pups who aren’t athletically inclined or have physical ailments may not be eager to make fetch happen. There are many other tricks you can teach them, such as “roll over,” “speak” or “shake.” A critical lesson that goes for every aspect of being a pet parent is to not force your pup’s paw, so to speak. Love them for who they are just as they do you.
The Bottom Line
Training your dog to play fetch is easy if you have a little patience and follow these five steps. Don’t worry if your dog isn’t interested in a ball. Keep trying out other items until you find what they are most interested in retrieving. (Check out other types of fetch toys here.) And remember, fetch is a bonding experience for you and your dog. The most important thing is to stay patient and have fun!Expert input provided by certified dog canine behavior consultant Susan Rubin, president and CEO of Pound to Penthouse Productions in New York, N.Y., as well Eric Pliner, owner and trainer at Dog Training with Eric in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
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