Training

Training Tips - Teach Your Dog To Fetch

I was recently working with a client who wanted to train their puppy to fetch. Training fetch with a puppy is one of the many fun things to teach your dog. In the beginning you need to get them interested in the type of toy they like. The toys that are usually great for retrieving are the smaller softer toys with a squeaker for added entertainment.

1. Start with a small soft squeaker toy.
2. Get your dog excited about the toy using your voice (try not to squeak the toy like crazy as a few squeaks are enough to get their interest).
3. Throw the toy no more than 6’ away from your dog when they are looking.
4. When your dog chases after the toy in any way then praise with your voice.
5. The key is to let your dog be proud when they chased the toy or even possibly pick up the toy. Give your dog time to enjoy the moment. Praise with your voice, clap your hands softly to cheer them on, encourage the behavior. Give them a few tries then just praise & wait for them to bring the toy close to you. The second key is to not try to grab the toy from their mouth when they are near you as this will begin a different game called “Tag”.
6. You could also reward with a yummy food treat to reinforce the behavior if your dog is food motivated. For lots of dogs, the chase of the toy is the fun part yet observe what is most rewarding for your dog since they each have different personalities.
7. Get them excited with the toy and then throw again.
8. In the beginning, keep it exciting by only playing the game for a few minutes
9. Once they are great at returning the toy then you can try to sit in a chair and have them fetch the toy along with bringing the toy even closer to you.
   

If you have any questions at all on these training tips please come and see us at the Ottawa Pet Expo on Nov 9 & 10 at the Ernst & Young Centre, or send me an email at Marcia@happyhound.ca, or give me a call 613-253-5535 and I will walk you through the process to help with your success.

Also, now Offering 30 minute Skype Calls for any Doggie Challenges!

Just $59 to discuss any challenge you are having with your doggie to solve a specific situation.

Riley

I still find it a big adjustment to be a dog owner but we are getting there. I love the dog walks with Riley. I have discovered so many new paths and get out in nature a lot more. He is excellent off leash as well and listens very good when I ask him to wait.

He still performs his "tricks" that you taught him all in one afternoon and enjoys doing this.

Thank you for helping us get off to such a good start!

Debbie
Ottawa, Ontario

Featured Treat

Crumps’ Natural Beef Tendersticks

The Beef Tendersticks are fabulous training treats for all types of dogs especially for your doggie who loves to train. These training treats are great since they are 100% beef and made in Canada. They break easily and are wonderful for small or large breeds.

Please check them out here!

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