How to Train your dog to fetch a beer

Teach your dog to fetch you a beer from the fridge when you are feeling lazy or just to impress your friends!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• medium to large breed dog
• can of beer
• foam beer can protector
• refridgerator
• dog treats

1. Teach Rover to retrieve the foam-protected beer and bring it to you with a phrase such as "Get it". Make sure you use a unique phrase that is different from other commands you might use. Begin by placing the beer next to the refridgerator and having Rover pick it up and bring it to you. If he won't let go, grab it out of his mouth and proceed right away with "Good dog!" and a treat. Repeat this until Rover readily releases the beer to you.

2. Now to teach Rover to open the refridgerator. Find a dish rag that Rover has not played with before so he understands this is for a specific task. Allow him to tug on the rag a few times, but do not pull back.

3. Tie the rag to the handle of the refrigerator and encourage Rover to pull on the rag. Once he takes the rag, encourage him to pull until the door opens. Reward him with a treat. Repeat this step a few times.

4. After Rover masters fetching and opening the door, combine the steps and reward him with a treat for opening the door AND fetching the beer.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the same rag you teach Rover with initially on the refridgerator door so he won't get confused with different scents
• Ensure your dog has a mouth big enough to fit over a can...you do not want to injure Rover's jaw!
• USE BEER CANS ONLY! Glass beer bottles can easily break in Rover's mouth, leading to injury. Place the foam beer can protector (commonly referred to as a "koozie") over the can before allowing Rover to fetch it.

[ginamichellesat]

on 7/4/2009 What a cute article!! 5 stars and recmnd!!

[mvparcels]

on 7/4/2009 Lol! What a great article. My husband would love to teach our dog this trick! 5*

[cherylphillips]

on 6/30/2009 I don't drink beer but you know...can we train a dog to fold laundry?? :) Fun article! 5* and a recommendation.

[joycetmann]

on 6/24/2009 What a fun article -- how to train your dog to fetch a beer. 5* and rec