| Fetching can be a fun game that you and your | | | | other toy. As soon as she gets close, take the first |
| puppy can enjoy throughout your life together. Many | | | | toy away from her and throw the second toy. She |
| sporting dog breeds like Labradors, Golden | | | | will then run after it and you can start the process |
| Retrievers, Spaniels and others are born with a | | | | over again. |
| strong desire to retrieve. Some other breeds like to | | | | Start slowly and build up over time. Fetching balls can |
| chase toys and play keep away. You can teach any | | | | be good exercise so let your dog acclimate to the |
| dog of any age to play fetch but it will likely be | | | | increased activity. Make sure your dog still wants to |
| easier to teach a puppy. Some dogs will enjoy the | | | | play fetch when you stop for the day! |
| game of fetch more than others but all can learn the | | | | Do not use the fetch toys for any other purpose |
| basics of the game. | | | | than to play fetch. It will confuse your dog if she can |
| An easy and fun way to start teaching your dog to | | | | play with the toys at home but must fetch the toys |
| play fetch is to use the two-toy fetch method. Get | | | | when you are at the park! |
| two identical dog toys that your dog can be crazy | | | | If your dog has no interest in retrieving toys, you |
| about. These toys can be a plush dog toy or a | | | | can create a positive association and still teach her to |
| bouncy ball; even a tennis ball works well. The idea is | | | | fetch the toys. Every time she picks up the toy |
| to playfully tease your dog with one of the toys and | | | | reward her with a small treat. It will take time and |
| then throw it a ways from you. Make sure to not | | | | repetitions before this really kicks in for her but you |
| throw it too far at the beginning, keep it close until | | | | will create a desire to fetch for you by using the |
| your dog learns. As soon as your dog goes to get | | | | treats as a reward. |
| the toy, call out praise and then when she retrieves | | | | With a little time and patience you will have a |
| the toy call her back to you and show her the other | | | | well-trained dog to play fetch with and you both can |
| toy. She will probably run back to you to get the | | | | enjoy the game for years to come. |