Fetching may seem like a simple task, but it’s more than just running after a thrown object. Many dogs enthusiastically chase after objects, following their natural prey instinct, and then want to play tug-of-war or engage in a wrestling match with their human. This behavior is far from proper fetching and can sometimes undermine your role as the leader of the “pack.” Learn how to teach your dog proper fetching, turning it into a species-appropriate exercise with numerous benefits.

What is Proper Fetching and What are the Training Goals?

For most (but not all) dogs, chasing after an object is easy because it’s part of their hunting instinct: the dog tries to catch, grab, and kill the fleeing prey. However, this behavior often lacks the proper conclusion required for fetching: bringing the prey back to the owner. Neither wildly chasing after a stick with subsequent “massacring” of the object nor encouraging the dog to snatch the object in a tug-of-war game are actual fetching exercises.

Properly trained fetching is a focused, species-appropriate, and serious task for dogs, offering many benefits.

Why Do Dogs Fetch?

Dogs’ natural instincts include running quickly and hunting, catching, and bringing back prey. Some dog breeds were specifically bred for this purpose. Therefore, fetching provides an ideal opportunity for hunting dogs to fulfill their primal instincts.

The benefits of fetching include:

Which Dogs Enjoy Fetching the Most?

In general, all dogs enjoy fetching. However, there are some breeds that are particularly predisposed to it. These include dogs bred for tracking and retrieving shot game. They include:

How to Train Fetching? – The First Steps

Start by selecting the appropriate object for fetching. A stick is not the best choice for several reasons: it lacks motivation, poses a significant risk of injury, and encourages chewing. Never use your dog’s regular toys!

A very good fetch item, especially for dogs reluctant to fetch, is a food dummy with a strap attached. You can also use other sturdy fetch items, such as a retrieving dummy, especially if your dog is already an enthusiastic “hunter.” Introducing new fetch items teaches your dog the difference between serious exercise and mere play, where he can also take on the “leader” role. Additionally, you’ll need a long training leash and treats that your dog enjoys but won’t make him overweight.

In professional dog sports, fetch items with prescribed material and weight are used. These are also called “retrieving wood.” In dummy training, dogs fetch standardized hunting decoys. In principle, anything that fits well in the dog’s mouth and poses no risk of injury is suitable. It should be interesting for the dog. Tennis balls, however, can damage tooth enamel over time, so you shouldn’t necessarily use them for training.

The training goals are:

Step 1: Retrieving the Object

When starting fetch training, it’s important not to demand too much from your dog all at once. Instead, proceed in several steps. The purpose of the first exercise is to make the dog understand that he can only retrieve the object on command.

Begin by making the dummy interesting for your dog. Fill the food dummy with treats and let your dog watch while giving him a taste of the treats. Or play with the fetch item without allowing the dog to participate. Only when you’re sure he’s paying attention to the fetch item, attach him to the training leash and throw the dummy a few meters away. But only throw it as far as the leash can reach without getting stiff. Practice preferably in the living room or garden, where there are few distractions.

Don’t allow the dog to sprint off immediately; instead, make him sit first. Give the command “Fetch!” and let him fetch the fetch item.

Step 2: Bringing Back the Object

For many dogs and dog owners, this is the most difficult part of training because not every dog wants to bring back the prey or simply hand it over. Once the dog has retrieved the dummy, praise him enthusiastically for this achievement. Lure him to you, if necessary, gently guiding him with the leash in your direction. Once the dog has brought the dummy to you, praise him for bringing and holding the dummy. You don’t have to take the prey away from him immediately.

Use the command “Drop!” or “Release!” and reach out for the dummy. If the dog lets go of the fetch item, reward him immediately with a treat. Take a treat from the food dummy. It’s even more motivating if he gets to lick a treat out of the bag himself. If he runs away with the food dummy next time because he thinks he can get the treats himself, it’s not a big deal; it actually supports the learning phase. Because that way, the dog realizes that he can only access the food in the dummy by bringing it back. Don’t get frustrated if the process doesn’t work immediately. Patience and consistent practice will turn even your reluctant or exuberant dog into a fetching master, and you can incorporate a great variation into your walks in the future.

Additional task: Hide the food dummy in the forest. Make your dog sit and watch. If necessary, tie your dog to a tree. Place the food dummy in the forest, return to the dog, and let him search by giving the command “Search!” or “Fetch!” You can accompany your dog and provide assistance at the beginning. Praise him when he finds the dummy and lure him to you to hand over the bag. Feed your dog directly from the dummy.

Fetching with Puppies – At What Age Should Training Begin?

The natural retrieving instinct often manifests itself in puppies even without training or prompting. The little four-legged companions also need to be entertained. They bring you shoes, socks, or other items that shouldn’t be in their mouths. Nevertheless, the basics are already there. This can be picked up and encouraged. You can start teaching your puppy to fetch from as early as six weeks old. However, adjust the duration of the training sessions to your dog’s age. For puppies, the session should be as short as possible to avoid overwhelming them and putting too much strain on their joints. Additionally, young puppies may not concentrate well for extended periods.

Teaching Fetch to Adult Dogs

Teaching an adult dog to fetch often requires a bit more patience. Especially if your furry friend is used to playing catch with you and keeping his prey for a while before understanding that he should give it up in this case. Nevertheless, he can still learn something new. The general training process remains the same regardless of age. Generally, your dog should be well-rested and receptive. Never train until he is completely exhausted or loses interest. Instead, stop with a sense of accomplishment and incorporate multiple shorter training sessions rather than one long one.

Advanced Fetching

If fetching is already going well and your dog is craving a new challenge, you can increase the difficulty level. Firstly, you can increase the distance. Secondly, the fetch item doesn’t always have to fly in the same direction. Try throwing it to the side or backward. Real fetch pros bring back several dummies in a row. Or you can place a row of fetch items and guide your dog in the desired direction with hand gestures. Very intelligent breeds are challenged more this way than with a simple fetching task.

Motivating Uninterested Dogs

Even among hunting breeds like Retrievers, there are dogs who show no interest in fetching. You can try to motivate them by using a food dummy. Start by playing catch with it and encourage your dog to join in. Throw the dummy in the air, catch it joyfully, and drag it across the ground. Entice your dog this way and stimulate his desire to play. For starters, it’s enough if the dog participates in the game and takes the dummy in his mouth. Praise him extensively for this. Repeat this exercise a few times before moving on to the next step.
If your dog absolutely refuses to get excited about fetching, don’t force him. Try another activity instead. Perhaps he might enjoy Agility or Dog Dancing.

Possible Problems with Fetching

In addition to a reluctance to fetch, sometimes other problems arise. Some dogs get too wound up during the game and become difficult to control. Especially puppies and young dogs are more excited after certain exercises than before. With such a wild child, limit the exercise time to a few minutes. Focus on calm and focused returning, rather than quick running. Make sure the dog only starts running after the command.

Another common problem is the unwillingness to release or give back the retrieved object. Don’t be tempted to chase after your four-legged friend, but remain patient. Stand more sideways than frontally to the dog. It’s best to squat down so you’re at eye level with him. Don’t reach for the fetch item too early and praise your dog extensively when he finally relinquishes his prize to you.

What You Should Know About Fetching

Four Fetching Rules: Remember These!