If you ever play fetch with your pooch, then you have probably experienced one of three possible outcomes:  the dog did not want to fetch the item, the dog fetched the item and did not return it, or the dog fetched the item and returned it.  Wouldn’t it be nice if all dogs would give up the fetched item so easy?  If your dog likes to add a game of tug-of-war on to the end of fetch, then you are in luck.  You can use this behavior to help train your pooch to retrieve!

You may be wondering why you would want your pooch to retrieve if he will not even fetch.  Retrieving and fetching are practically the same thing, but you may be more likely to have your pooch retrieve items you want.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have your dog pick up your newspaper instead of you walking outside in your bathrobe?  By focusing on your dog’s reluctance to return the item, you can teach him to pick up more items.  Plus, you can teach him to give up the item during a game of fetch.

To teach your pooch to retrieve you will need one of his toys, a handful of treats in your pocket, and a leash.  You probably won’t need to leash in the beginning, but it does help if your dog is one to take an item and run.  This won’t necessarily feel like a traditional training session, but it should still be broken up into ten to fifteen minute sessions. 

You can start the training any time you see your pooch with an item that he does not like to give up.  Or, you can offer one to him.  Either way, don’t make a big deal out of your dog having the item.  Instead, praise him with “good dog” or whatever praise you prefer.  Then instruct him to “hold it.”  Pull out a treat, and show it to your dog.  When the treat has your dog’s attention, reach for the item in his mouth and get a hold on it.  Use whatever trick you need to get your dog to want the treat.  Some owners claim that sticking the treat close to the mouth always helps!  Pull the item from his mouth, and immediately give him the treat.  Tell him “thank you” for releasing the item.  Once he eats the treat, then hand him the item back, and tell him to “take it” or “here.”  Repeat this a few times until your pooch is more willing to let go of the item.

The next step of the training uses the same item and treats.  However, you should start with the item in hand; your pooch should not yet have the item.  Offer the item to your dog, using the command “take it” or “here,” immediately followed by “hold it.”  Praise your dog for taking the item, then pull out the treat.  Do the whole bait and switch routine again, using “thank you” when you take the item from your dog.  Repeat this a couple of times.  Now, instead of handing the item directly to your pooch, instruct your pooch to “sit” and place the item on the floor in front of him.  Go through the “take it,” “hold it,” treat, “thank you” routine a couple of times.  Each time you offer the item, try tossing it out a little further.  The leash may come in handy at this point.  If your dog goes for the item and runs, then place him on the leash.  Once he gets the item, you may have to gently pull him back to you.  If this is the case, then practice commands like “come back,” “bring it,” “return,” or whatever you choose.

Once your dog gets the hang of things, then substitute his beloved toy for many different items.  Also, substitute the treats for something else he enjoys, such as a belly rub or a head pat.  Have him practice bringing a variety of items back to you.  You may even want to move the training outdoors, where you can have more distance between you and the item.  You can start to differentiate between the items by teaching “take the newspaper” or “take the ball.”  Not only will your dog know how to retrieve, but now you can play fetch without having to wrestle your pooch for the item!

Article provided by Pet-Super-Store a site featuring underground dog fences products from PetSafe, Innotek and Dogtra.