How to play fetch?
Fetch, if practiced correctly, enables building solid relations, cooperation and mutual understanding between pets and owners. Running after a ball and bringing it back is not only a great pastime for a dog, but also — a brilliant distractor, which might save your shoes or furniture. However, fetch — even though it’s rooted in canine instincts — doesn’t always come naturally.
Chase and retrieve game is beneficial for both dogs and owners. For people it is a fresh air fitness activity, which includes bends, bows, throws and swings, while for dogs it is pure fun. It meets their expectations, regardless their breed, age or preferences. They are all programmed to chase the object which is “running away”. Additionally, tossing objects and getting your dog to bring them back — as simple as it is — can do wonders for you pup’s condition and wellness.
Fetch seems to be boring for humans, but for our canine pals it’s as exciting and engaging as a fair-sized piece of ham. However, not all the dogs will initially know what to do, seeing that their owner is throws their favorite toy away. Some might just stare off into the distance, while others can chase the ball with no intention of bringing it back. The good news is that fetch is fairly easy to teach, because it combines two big hobbies of all dogs: playing and pleasing humans.
How to help your buddy learn this game? First of all, start the process being at eye level with your dog and grab its attention. Do not offer any treats — in this case the toy you’re going to play with is the reward. Then follow these three easy steps:
1. Show your dog the toy you’re going to throw, and make it curious. Let it chew the item and encourage to hold it in jaws. It’s going to be the prize, so the dog needs to settle in with it. In most cases there’s no need to teach puppies how to hold a ball or stick in their mouths. They’re able to do it and truly enjoy it. Giving and dropping items is a different story…
2. Having your dog’s interest and willingness to play, you’ll practice a “drop it” command. It should be short and told with clear voice. When the dog drops the item, hold it for a couple of seconds before handing it back to your buddy. Try not to keep it in your hands for too long, as it might annoy your dog and discourage it from playing with you.
3. When your dog is able to hold and drop the item, you can move forward (to the next step) — metaphorically and literally. Throw a ball a bit further, and run for it along with your dog. The moment your dog grabs it, start running in a different direction and shout “bring it!”. Dogs love racing, so they will chase you with a ball in their mouth. After a few shots they will bring you the item.
Repeat steps 2 and 3, while gradually increasing the distance. Throwing a ball too far might distract and confuse your dog. When it finally learns how to fetch, reward it with a good word and stroking.
