How to Teach Your Dog to Retrieve Toys Using The ‘Fetch Command’.

Teaching your dog to play a game of fetch can be a relatively simple process. For many dogs, such as the retriever breeds, this game is a fun activity that comes naturally. However, some dogs may find the idea of fetch foreign or aren’t naturally inclined to bring toys back after being thrown.
Similarly, some dogs may not have had experience playing with toys as puppies and just don’t know what to do. Although fetch doesn’t come naturally to every dog, it’s a skill that can be taught!

This obedience training article for dogs will teach you how to train your dog to bring back a toy or object you throw using the ‘Fetch Command‘ by implementing positive reinforcement training techniques. I will also cover some of the most common issues dog owners face such as getting a blank look from your dog after you throw the item, or after they go after it, they pick it up but don’t bring it back to you.

The following list is what we recommend you have handy for this dog training command session:

• Small sized, soft treats that are very tasty
• Clicker
• Collar
• Training Leash, 5-10 Metres (16-32 Foot)
• Small quiet space with no distractions
• Assorted toys to throw

If you don’t have, or prefer not to use a ‘clicker’, you can substitute it by using the word ‘yes’.

Dog training essentials available from Ezydog Australia

Steps to Teaching the ‘Fetch Command’

Most dogs pick up instinctively as a puppy, how to pick up objects and ‘hold’ them in their mouths, even running around the house carrying their favourite stuffed toy from room to room.
For this reason I am not going to spend a lot of time running through using the verbal cue/command ‘Hold’ because after using it to teach a dog to hold something in their mouth, it isn’t used for anything else. Dogs pick things up with their mouth like humans do with their hands, it’s instinctive.

I will also assume you have read the previous article covering ‘Drop‘ which, as I’m sure you’ll agree, is important once your dog comes bounding back with the frisbee, rope toy or ball in his/her mouth.

1/ Starting with your dog sitting in front of you, and with an outstretched arm and open palm, present the object to be thrown to him/her ask them to ‘Hold’. If they take the item, ‘Mark’ the good behaviour with the clicker or say ‘Yes’ and praise, then immediately treat. If he/she doesn’t take the toy, that’s okay, just keep trying by gently placing the toy towards their mouth until eventually they will grab hold of it.

2/ Once your dog has successfully taken the item from your outstretched hand, place the item on the floor in front of them. Ask your dog to ‘Hold’ again. After they pick it up, immediately ‘mark’ by clicking, saying ‘Yes’, give a few ‘Good boy/girl’ praises and use the verbal ‘Fetch Ccommand’.
Now some dog owners use words like ‘Fetch It’ or ‘Get It’ instead. It really doesn’t matter what verbal cue you use, as long as you’re consistent.

3/ When your clever pooch is always successful picking up and holding the toy, start moving the toy slightly further away from you. With your dog at your left side, the toy to collect is in front of you
Start to very slowly, about 20cm at a time, increase the distance away from you where you place/throw the toy. The aim is to break down the retrieving of the item into very small behaviours, so your dog can be successful.

4/ Continue increasing the distance you’re asking your four-legged friend to retrieve the toy. As your dog gains understanding of the game, you can begin to alternate between asking your dog to get a toy that you have placed further away from you and throwing the toy a good distance.
It’s also a good idea at this stage to mix up the items/toys as you practice ‘Fetch’. Use objects that you’ll ultimately want to use when playing ‘Fetch’ with your dog such as balls, rope toys and frisbees, basically anything that can be thrown a good distance.

5/ With patience and practice, the finished skill will be a dog running after the object you’ve thrown and bringing it back to you, to be thrown again. Remember to reward the behaviour each time.

As I eluded to above, once your clever pooch has retrieved the thrown item and comes running back to you, you can use the ‘Sit’ and ‘Drop’ commands enabling you to throw the object again, if your dog doesn’t already drop it at your feet, which after a bit of practice he/she will probably start doing on their own, pre-empting your commands.

Summary of How To Teach Your Dog The ‘Fetch Command’

Consistency, practice and patience are the keys with all dog training. It’s also important not to keep repeating the command. You should aim to say it once to have your four-legged friend come running towards you with excitement.

Some dogs that aren’t overly motivated by food treats (rare) will almost certainly take to cooked chicken pieces. However, I would strongly suggest finding a commercial option that works because apart from the expense, chicken is messy and doesn’t last very long out of a sealed container in the fridge. There are many brands and flavours to choose from these days, and many are made with healthy natural ingredients. I would also suggest using and rotating several different types, so your dog doesn’t become used to just one.

As I mentioned above, using a training leash of between 5-10 metres is ideal if your dog in the early stages runs away after collecting the toy, perhaps wanting to play Chase instead. These leashes are used extensively for ‘track and trace’ dog training disciplines so are readily available.
Most pet shops, which you can find near you, listed on Pet Directory will have these in stock.

Having trouble, or have a question about getting your dog to retrieve an item you’ve thrown and to come back to you after using the ‘fetch Command’?
Leave a comment for ‘Bear’ below and he’ll be happy to answer it for you, especially if you get his attention by using his name.

We at PetsBook also recommend getting out with your dog and join a training course.
Pet Directory has many local dog training businesses listed near you with experienced and accredited dog trainers ready to help you with dog obedience and dog command training.

» List of Dog Training Commands

Bear

Hi, I’m Bear, the Training Manager at PetsBook. With over 20 years experience using positive reinforcement dog training techniques, I’m proud to have the opportunity to help you develop a stronger bond with your fur baby, by teaching you useful commands with obedience training.