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Teach dog to fetch

QUESTION:

My dog isn't big on fetch--is there any way to encourage her?

answered by Corinne Dowling

ANSWER:

Sure! With any activity that involves object play, the key is to make the object interesting for your dog. Remember that dogs are prey animals, so treat it as a hunting game: Throw the ball up and down and then quickly grab it. Or, toss a squeaky toy at your feet, and then swiftly pick it up.

Does the dog show an interest? If so, praise her and give her a treat. If not, wave the toy around or toss it and run after it yourself; eventually your dog will become curious enough to come find out just what is so fascinating. Praise her each time she shows interest or picks up the toy on her own. Finally, to ensure she's intrigued again the next time you bring out the toy, take it and put it away while she's still enjoying it.


Corinne Dowling is the founder, director, and primary dog handler of Give a Dog a Bone, a nonprofit program in San Francisco that serves the needs of dogs in long-term shelter care.

Read more about Corinne Dowling in the DogTime expert center...

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Comments

AvatarMy dog is very much interested in fetching games specially when I give her treats! This is a good exercise for every dog.” — trisha, Jan 13 2009

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