Teaching Your Dog to Fetch

What Does Fetching Mean?

When dogs fetch, they don’t just chase after objects like balls or other toys; they bring them back to the owner after successfully catching them. There’s a difference between fetching a stick and proper fetching.

The term originally comes from hunting. Dogs with a strong hunting instinct were trained not just to chase and kill game but also to deliver their catch back to the hunter.

Why Should Dogs Learn to Fetch?

Many human-dog teams find fetching great fun. Dogs get plenty of exercise and can satisfy their natural urges – running and carrying prey.

Joint training sessions strengthen the bond between dog and owner. Owners learn to improve their body language and thus better communicate with their dogs

Dogs can fetch both indoors and during walks. Depending on the training, you can increase your dog’s concentration with the exercises and keep it physically and mentally engaged. Fetching is also one of the basics of dummy training.

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What Do You Need for Fetching?

An object to be fetched is called a “retrieving article”. In professional dog sports and hunting, special retrieving articles with prescribed materials and weights are used, sometimes called “bring sticks.” In dummy training, dogs fetch “dummies,” which are standardised hunting decoys.

Before you start fetching training with your dog, consider the following:

• For fun fetching, almost anything that fits in the dog’s mouth can be used. Ideally, use appropriate dog toys.
• Everyday objects can be tricky: a stick from the forest can splinter and hurt the dog, and tennis balls can damage tooth enamel over time.
• Choose a toy that excites the dog, like a plush toy or a training dummy.
• Balls are less suitable for controlled fetching training.
• If your dog tends to run off, it’s sensible to fetch only with a drag line outdoors.
• Important for training: use treats as rewards

Which Dogs Like to Fetch?

In general, fetching is suitable for all dog breeds. However, there are “fetch types” and those less inclined to it. Here are some of the key ones:

Retriever & Co.

The term “to retrieve” means “to bring back,” a skill typically associated with retrievers. Whether it’s Labrador Retrievers or Flat Coated Retrievers, all retriever breeds love to fetch.

These dogs were bred to bring shot birds to the hunter. To delight them, spend more time on fetching and get into dummy training. Naturally, there are occasional retrievers who don’t love fetching.

Ball Junkies

Your dog sees a ball and can’t help itself? It waits for the next throw during walks? It’s probably a ball junkie. Ball games and thus throwing and bringing back balls satisfy dogs’ hunting instincts.

For ball junkies, a fetching object can quickly replace the beloved ball. Focus particularly on controlled fetching. Wild and exhausting games are a no-no.

Uninterested Dogs

Train with lots of positive reinforcement in the form of treats or even with a food toy. But accept it if your companion shows no interest in fetching after a few weeks.

Self-reliant dog breeds tend to have little interest in fetching. This includes, for example, herding dogs like the Bergamasco or Sighthounds. Of course, there are exceptions, like a Greyhound that enjoys fetching.

Heavy Dogs / Dogs with Arthritis

Strenuous running with lots of stops or jumps is off-limits for dogs with joint problems like arthritis. If you want to fetch, stick to a small radius. Calm fetching, where the object is only a few metres away, and focused work is key, suitable for older or ill dogs.

You can also combine fetching with search games, where the dog sniffs out the object at its own pace in the home or garden and brings it to you. If in doubt, consult the vet about which fetching exercises are suitable for your dog.

Puppies & Young Dogs: When to Start Fetching?

You can introduce a young dog to fetching if you take it slow. Let young dogs fetch for just 2 to 3 minutes at a time and slowly increase the playtime. The rule is: it’s better to fetch five times for 2 minutes each day than once for 10 minutes.

Another tip for aspiring dog owners: How to keep puppies entertained.

How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch

Many dogs have a natural retrieve drive. Even puppies can fetch objects without training. But even “naturals” benefit from proper training.

Tips for Dogs Uninterested in Fetching

You can teach disinterested dogs to fetch by motivating them with food toys training. Fetching-challenged dogs get their rewards directly from the food dummy.

Allow your dog to try to get the treats from the toyon its own at first. It will quickly learn: I need my human’s help to get to the goodies inside!

So, how do you start correctly? Here’s one of several possible ways to teach your dog to fetch:

Step 1: Carrying the Object

Playfully offer the fetching object to your dog, for example, by holding it in front of its nose and walking backwards. As soon as your dog tries to grab the object, praise it extensively and reward it with a treat or a game.

In the next step, praise your dog once it bites the object and holds it. When that works, it should walk with you while holding the object. Keep holding onto the object.

Gradually increase the distance it carries the object. Eventually, let your dog carry the object completely and praise it for continuing with it.

Step 2: Picking Up and Bringing the Object

If your dog shows interest in the object in your hand, slowly lower your hand so your dog has to bend down. Praise it when it stands up with the object in its mouth.

You can support this by lifting the object as soon as it grabs it with its mouth. Over time, move your hand further from the object on the ground.

Move back a bit and place the object between you and your dog. Your hand is on the ground. If your dog comes to you with the fetching “prey,” reward it. The object should end up in your placed hand.

In the next rounds, gradually raise your hand to receive the object while standing.

Step 3: Introducing a Fetch and Release Command

Only when these steps work should you introduce verbal commands. Place the object on the ground without letting your dog access it.

Now give a command like “Fetch” or “Bring.” Have the object placed in your hand as practised and praise your dog enthusiastically.

You can now introduce a second command for the release. Give the release command like “Drop” or “Give” just before the dog drops the object into your hand.

Finally Throw and Retrieve

Over time, extend the period the dog holds the object in its mouth. This works with a release command that you delay second by second. Patience and correct timing are essential here.

True fetching success lies in bringing – not wildly chasing after the thrown object! So only start throwing the object once controlled bringing is mastered. If your dog knows “Sit” or “Stay” reliably, release this command only after the throw.

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What If My Dog Doesn’t Fetch?

Starting can be tough – here are some tips for initial difficulties in fetching:

The Dog Doesn’t Bring the Dummy Back

Some dogs prance around with the toy in front of their owners, but won’t return it. They’d much rather their owner try to snatch it by chasing them.

Don’t be tempted into chase games! Your dog should focus on reliably bringing back the object.

Never chase after it, but be patient: eventually, your dog will come to you. Reward it with a treat. Alternatively, use a drag line.

Further tips:

• Stand sideways, not frontally, to the fetching dog
• Always maintain positive body language
• Don’t reach for the dummy too soon
• Praise your dog extensively during the handover
• Use a recall signal as soon as the dog picks up the object
• Train in many small steps

The Dog Gets Overexcited

Especially young dogs can get overly excited during play sessions. They’re hard to control and more agitated after the exercise. If your dog tends to do this, keep training sessions short. Two to three minutes of fetching is enough.

Focus on the concentrated return rather than the “hunt,” i.e., the chasing. Train so that your dog only runs after the command (“Bring!”).

The Dog Whines

Whining is also a sign that the dog is overly excited. Start and end sessions calmly. Initially, don’t train with other dogs together. Laying out the objects instead of throwing them also helps create a calmer atmosphere.

Excitement is always stressful for dogs and should be avoided. Calm behaviour in fetching, the “steadiness” required for dummy training, is desired.

Fetching – Small Steps for a Happy Dog Life

Admittedly, step-by-step fetching training requires patience. But precise work here leads to a reliably fetching dog for life.

While some dogs may drop the ball at their owner’s feet, your dog will neatly place the fetched object in your hand – a satisfying feeling. Fetching is an excellent leisure activity and maybe your entry into dummy training – have fun!