How to teach a dog fetch? What is worth knowing?

Step two - throw the toy

When your pet can no longer take its eyes off the toy, you can throw it a short distance. When the dog runs after the toy and grabs it in the teeth, call them and show them that you have the other toy in your hand. Encouraged by the toy, the pet should come back to you with the first toy in its mouth. Then interest it in the second ball and throw it a short distance as well. Ideally, your dog should release the first toy from its mouth and run after the next one. You can also enter commands for your practice at this stage. When throwing the toy, give the command "Fetch" and when the dog comes back to you with the ball, give it the command "Give back".

Step three - give the ball back

Once your dog has mastered the previous two stages, you can change the rules a bit. When the dog comes back to you with the toy in its mouth, slowly extend your hand towards the pet and ask it to return the ball to your hand. Your dog should already associate the "Give back" slogan from the previous stage of learning, so it shouldn't be too difficult for you. Only when the dog returns the first toy, offer the second.

Whenever you teach your dog a new skill, be understanding and patient. The older the dog you are trying to teach the tricks is, the more difficult success can come. Be patient, reward each progress and don't punish for incorrectly executed orders. Treat fetching lessons as fun and a new way to spend time with your dog.

Is fetch a good form of entertainment?

Although it might seem that fetch is a great way to provide your dog with the right amount of exercise, you also need to take into account the negative aspects of this game. Chasing a ball or other toy while retrieving is based on a hunting chain, in which the chasing game is the most stressful moment. During the race, cortisol is released, i.e. a stress hormone, the elevated level of which may persist in the animal's body for up to several days. If your dog is hyperactive or has a lot of inexhaustible energy, fetching may not be the best way to run your dog. The effect can be quite the opposite and instead of a rundown and calm dog, you can have an even more agitated pet at home.

It is worth changing games with the dog?

Fetch for many dogs can be extremely addictive, so it should never be the only form of entertainment and exercise. There are many games and tricks you can teach your dog. If you want to encourage your dog to run, you can try taking your pet with you on bicycle trips or morning or evening runs. Remember that for some dogs a long walk is a sufficient dose of physical exertion, and you can even play with your pet at home or in your garden.

Fetching in a safe environment

When teaching your dog to retrieve, make sure that the training area is completely safe. When your dog starts chasing the ball, it may not be paying attention to uneven terrain, passers-by, or vehicles that may be moving around. Always check the area before throwing your dog a toy and choose a place as far away from the busy streets as possible.