The main thing to remember when you are teaching your dog this trick is to make sure they understand not only the fetching behavior but also the need to let go of the ball/toy on command. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Fetch and “Keep Away” aren’t the same thing

As you read this, you may be thinking to yourself: “my dog already knows how to fetch”. They chase after the toy, they bring it back to you but then fight you to keep it. This is not fetch. This is an instinctual behavior that most dogs already have.  This behavior can also be very frustrating and often cuts play-time short, as well as plenty of destroyed tennis balls. So, if you want to teach your dog to fetch properly, he first needs to learn how to “drop it”.

“Drop It”

There are a few different ways that you can go about training your dog to “drop it”.

When I teach my do to do this, I like to do it outside the context of running and retrieving a toy. Using a clicker and a treat reward system, you’ll need one of their favorite toys and a bit of time.  Wait for your dog to pick up their favorite toy. Once they have picked it up, ask them to drop it (also using the clicker if you have one).  Once your dog drops the toy, reward them. Sometimes, this can take a little bit of time to do (it might take a little while before your dog can connect the two actions).

An alternative way to teach your dog to “drop it” is to start out playing fetch using two tennis balls. Basically, you’ll begin the training by “tricking” your dog into letting go of the ball that they have. Start by throwing the first ball and have them retrieve it. Mostdogs will probably already know this part. If the dog won’t drop the ball when they return (make sure to give them the command), take your second ball and start playing with it yourself, ignoring the dog. You should quickly get your dog’s attention this way. Once you do, throw the second ball and have them fetch it.

Eventually, your dog will recognize that when they hear “drop it”, you’re going to throw another ball. Over time, you can start to use the same ball instead of needing to employ a second one.

Not Boring Your Dog

Some dogs can play fetch almost indefinitely and never get bored. Others will fetch the ball two or three times, and then want to take a nap. What you want to try to do is gauge at what point they tend to grow tired, and make sure to stop playing before they decide it’s nap time.

If you manage to strategically end the game before they lose interest in it, you’ll be heightening their interest in playing fetch next time you pull out a tennis ball, which will make playing a lot more fun for both of you.

Maintaining Control

Above all else, never give up control over the game. If your dog refuses to drop the ball, don’t struggle to snatch it from them.  Doing that just encourages “keep away,” since your dog will think that is the right way to play the game. Instead, just stop the game until they drop it. You need to be the one in charge, the dog can’t be made to feel like they can control the situation and decide how the game will go.

Fetch is a fantastic game that can be a lot of fun for both you and your dog. If you are willing to take the relatively small amount of time it takes to train your dog to “drop it” – and be consistent with your commands whenever the ball is thrown – you’ll both have a lot more fun when you go out to play.

How To Keep “Fetch” From Turning Into “Tug-of-War” is a post from: WiredWriter