How to Train Your Pet to Fetch.

When your bring your dog home, you have all these dreams of how the two of you will play together. One of the greatest games you can teach him to play with you is "fetch." Some dogs are natural fetchers, who will never tire of you throwing the ball so they can run after it and bring it back to you. Some dogs aren't retrievers by nature, so you'll have to spend more time (and use more treats) to inspire them to bring you back the toy you throw. Either way, the two of you will be out in the yard playing in no time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• treats
• dog toys
• tennis balls
• leash

How to Train Your Pet to Fetch

1. Show your dog a toy. Pick the one that gets him the most excited. It can be a tennis ball, a balled-up sock, a frisbee, a squeaky toy. Some dogs won't care about a tennis ball, but will go nuts for a squeaky toy. Whichever toy they seem to respond to is the toy to use. To see which one they respond to, hold the toy up and say "You want it? You want it? Look at this!" or similar phrases, while waving it around and jumping around to get the dog excited.

2. When you have found the right toy, take your dog to an open space like a backyard or a living room and show him the toy. Wave it around while talking excitedly about the toy, until your dog is dancing around your feet, dying to have it.

3. When he's all riled up, say "Fetch!" and throw the toy. He should dart out after it. As soon as his teeth are on the toy, get on your knees and say "Come here!!" and pat your leg excitedly. The dog should come running back to you with the toy.

4. Praise him and give him a treat.Repeat.

5. You can train your dog to fetch using a long leash or trying it leash-free. If your dog tends to fetch the ball and run off, you want to leash him so you can pull him back to you while saying "come," and have him learn how to obey you, while still maintaining control.If your dog stares at you when you throw it and doesn't go after the toy, try using a treat instead of toy. Throw the treat, and your dog will be running to get it. Use a leash to teach him to come back afterwards. Gradually tie a toy to the treat, and then once he gets that, just throw the toy.If your dog gets the toy but then drops it, use the leash to pull him back immediately when he picks the toy up in his mouth, while saying "come." If he drops it on the way, get the toy and put the treat on the toy, letting him eat the treat off the toy and praising him. He'll start associating the toy with the treat, and will bring it farther back each time. Call him enthusiastically, for best results.