Basic Training
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Basic Training
For a dog learning to fetch, start basic training with something other than a disc. You can teach this behavior at any age by using an object your dog likes. You want to encourage your dog to chase the object. This is the first part of the retrieve/fetch. You can tie a toy to a string and entice your dog to chase it or wiggle it around on the floor in front of him. Make happy noises, act excited and give plenty of praise when your dog chases the toy. Let him get it and praise, praise, praise.
Chasing comes easier for some dogs so don't get discouraged if your dog doesn't pick it up right away, keep trying. Once your dog is interested in chasing add the "get it" command. Use lots of positive praise when he "gets it" and keep it fun. If your dog already has a good chase and get it, move on to the retrieve.
Toss the toy or other object away from the dog. Once your dog has the toy call him to you once. Don't fall into the habit of chanting the "come" command over and over. Use a different word to get the dog moving along, move away in the opposite direction if you have to. Most dogs will follow so when they arrive praise the daylights out of them. Keep this up and add the "bring it" command as your dog is returning to you with the toy.
If your dog runs away from you after retrieving the toy do not engage in a game of "keep away". Instead use a 20-30 Ft training lead. Toss the toy and let the lead drag on the ground. As soon as your dog gets the toy pick up the lead, call him back and at the same time give a small correction tug on the lead to move the dog towards you. Continue praising the return using an excited voice. If your dog won't budge, give a firmer correction tug on the lead and continue encouraging the return. Use correction tugs and positive praise until the dog returns to you but don't reel them in.
For your dogs well being, teach a reliable Drop! command. Do not chase your dog when he has something you want dropped. It will only turn into a game of keep away. Try turning your back and walking away in the other direction or sit down and wait him out. Playing is much more fun and the dog will soon realize that play time is over when he does not drop the toy back to you. When the dog drops the toy, praise away.
You could also try a toy or treat exchange. When your dog returns with the first toy, show the other toy. Once they drop the first toy, praise and give them the other toy. When your dog returns to you, have a treat ready, show him the treat. Most dogs will drop anything they have to eat a treat. Treat, praise and continue your game of fetch. Add the "Drop" command when he's doing it consistently and eliminate the treats using praise and another toss of the toy as the reward.
Take time to explore the additional training links provided. Now let's add the disc.