How To Teach An Old Dog To Play Fetch

Chewy Studios

How to Teach a Dog to Fetch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Though it might seem like second nature for a pup to retrieve a thrown object, that's not always the instance. While many dogs are pretty good at running afterwards their favorite toy or ball, it'south the whole return function that gets a scrap tricky. So how do you plow a game of hunt into a game of fetch? It takes some patience, but if you follow our footstep-past-step guide on how to teach a dog to fetch, then you and your pup will pros in no time.

How to Teach a Dog to Fetch FAQs

How tin I teach my dog to fetch in the park?

A:Our dog training experts recommend teaching a dog fetch in a modest, enclosed identify when you first begin. Your firm, apartment, or backyard is the perfect surroundings since it helps keep them focused on the task. Once your domestic dog is reliably retrieving a toy and dropping it, yous can graduate to a larger infinite such every bit the dog park.

Can I teach a senior domestic dog to fetch?

A:The aphorism, "You tin can't teach an sometime domestic dog new tricks," is simply untrue. Senior dogs can learn many things, including how to fetch! The just limitations, of form, are their health and desire to learn said trick. Exist mindful and accommodating of your older dog'due south concrete abilities. For case, you may need to throw the ball a shorter altitude, use a squeaky or calorie-free-up toy that they can observe more easily, or shorten the length of time you play.

What are the all-time toys to teach a dog to fetch?

A:The best toys for fetch are the objects your pet desires almost! That might exist a elementary brawl, their favorite toy, or perhaps something a bit fancier. Canis familiaris preparation experts recommend using an object that's large plenty for them to hands find, but non so big they cannot deport it easily. Too, immovability is key as the object volition see a lot of activeness. We recommend the KONG Classic Dog Toy, Chuckit! Classic Launcher, or Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Fetch Ball with Rope. Stuffed toys tin can piece of work if they are durable and you don't listen washing them oft. Try out a couple different products and come across which gets your dog excited and engaged.

My dog doesn't fetch. What do I practise?

A:If your pet seems completely uninterested in learning fetch, there's no need to force information technology. Some pups who aren't athletically inclined or have physical ailments may non be eager to make fetch happen. There are many other tricks yous can teach them, such equally "roll over," "speak" or "milk shake." A critical lesson that goes for every attribute of beingness a pet parent is to not force your pup'southward paw, so to speak. Dearest them for who they are simply as they do you.

The Lesser Line

Training your dog to play fetch is easy if you have a little patience and follow these v steps. Don't worry if your canis familiaris isn't interested in a ball. Keep trying out other items until you lot find what they are about interested in retrieving. (Bank 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!

Good input provided by certified domestic dog canine behavior consultant Susan Rubin, president and CEO of Pound to Penthouse Productions in New York, Due north.Y., as well Eric Pliner, owner and trainer at Dog Training with Eric in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Published: April 29, 2022