Article by Adrian Phillips
Fetch can be an entertaining activity for both you and your dog. It is a great way to bond with your dog, and get them moving their bodies! Here are a few ways you can teach them to fetch, in as few as 5 steps!
I start with the following two ground rules:
- Four on the floor. I like my legs without scratches, thank you.
- Please drop the toy so I can pick it up or put it in my hand and release it.
If one of the ground rules are broken, play ends (not forever, but for at least a few minutes).
Fetch for cookies:
This is my favorite way to teach fetch! This can be a great option if your dog gets too excited (or mouthy!) about balls, or if they aren’t interested in them at all!
Supplies you’ll need:
- A toy your dog loves!
- A small handful of low-value treats (cheerios, kibble, crunchy o’s)
Step One: Play with your pup with the toy! Once your dog is engaging and has the toy in their mouth let it go and allow them to “win” it.
Step Two: Once your dog has the toy in their mouth, say their name and move a few steps backward. This will encourage them to move towards you!
Step Three: Once they reach you, encourage them to drop the toy with a “Give” or “Trade” cue, and trade them for a few of your low-value snacks!
Step Four: Now that you have the toy, toss it just a few feet away and allow your pup to get it!
Step Five: Repeat step two! As your dog is easily getting the toy and bringing it back towards you, you can continue to add more distance to the tossed toy!
When you are ready for the game to end, scatter some of your treats on the ground and tell your pup “All done!”. This helps them understand more clearly that the game is now over. 
Two Ball Fetch:
How to teach your pup Two Ball Fetch! This is a great way to train your pup, especially if they like tennis balls! Here’s how to do it.
Supplies you’ll need:
- 2 Tennis balls
- A small handful of low-value treats (cheerios, kibble, crunchy o’s)
Step One: Get your pup’s attention by either squeaking the ball or showing it to them. You will want the second ball in a pocket.
Step Two: Toss the first ball out 10-15ft! Don’t toss it too far, or your pup may lose interest.
Step Three: Once your pup has the first ball in their mouth, call their name excitedly and show them the second ball to entice them back to you!
Step Four: Once they are back at your feet, encourage them to drop the first ball by either showing them the second ball or with a few of your low-value treats (I cue my dogs with a happy “Trade!”)
Step Five: Once they have dropped the first ball, toss the second! Rinse and repeat! You can continue to toss the ball farther away as your pup is consistently bringing it back to you!
When you are ready for the game to end, scatter some of your treats on the ground and tell your pup “All done!”. This helps them understand more clearly that the game is now over.
Tip #1: Remember, if their feet come up, simply walk away and end play. You don’t have to say anything and there’s no need to be upset. Ending the game is not fun for them. Your pup will soon figure out that keeping their feet on the ground is the key to keep playing!
Tip #2: Some dogs will run around for a few minutes with the ball, let them! After a bit, encourage them back and restart the game.
Fetch can be an entertaining activity for both you and your dog. It is a great way to bond with your dog, and get them moving their bodies! Here are a few ways you can teach them to fetch, in as few as 5 steps!
I start with the following two ground rules:
- Four on the floor. I like my legs without scratches, thank you.
- Please drop the toy so I can pick it up or put it in my hand and release it.
If one of the ground rules are broken, play ends (not forever, but for at least a few minutes).
Fetch for cookies:
This is my favorite way to teach fetch! This can be a great option if your dog gets too excited (or mouthy!) about balls, or if they aren’t interested in them at all!
Supplies you’ll need:
- A toy your dog loves!
- A small handful of low-value treats (cheerios, kibble, crunchy o’s)
Step One: Play with your pup with the toy! Once your dog is engaging and has the toy in their mouth let it go and allow them to “win” it.
Step Two: Once your dog has the toy in their mouth, say their name and move a few steps backward. This will encourage them to move towards you!
Step Three: Once they reach you, encourage them to drop the toy with a “Give” or “Trade” cue, and trade them for a few of your low-value snacks!
Step Four: Now that you have the toy, toss it just a few feet away and allow your pup to get it!
Step Five: Repeat step two! As your dog is easily getting the toy and bringing it back towards you, you can continue to add more distance to the tossed toy!
When you are ready for the game to end, scatter some of your treats on the ground and tell your pup “All done!”. This helps them understand more clearly that the game is now over.
Two Ball Fetch:
How to teach your pup Two Ball Fetch! This is a great way to train your pup, especially if they like tennis balls! Here’s how to do it.
Supplies you’ll need:
- 2 Tennis balls
- A small handful of low-value treats (cheerios, kibble, crunchy o’s)
Step One: Get your pup’s attention by either squeaking the ball or showing it to them. You will want the second ball in a pocket.
Step Two: Toss the first ball out 10-15ft! Don’t toss it too far, or your pup may lose interest.
Step Three: Once your pup has the first ball in their mouth, call their name excitedly and show them the second ball to entice them back to you!
Step Four: Once they are back at your feet, encourage them to drop the first ball by either showing them the second ball or with a few of your low-value treats (I cue my dogs with a happy “Trade!”)
Step Five: Once they have dropped the first ball, toss the second! Rinse and repeat! You can continue to toss the ball farther away as your pup is consistently bringing it back to you!
When you are ready for the game to end, scatter some of your treats on the ground and tell your pup “All done!”. This helps them understand more clearly that the game is now over.
Tip #1: Remember, if their feet come up, simply walk away and end play. You don’t have to say anything and there’s no need to be upset. Ending the game is not fun for them. Your pup will soon figure out that keeping their feet on the ground is the key to keep playing!
Tip #2: Some dogs will run around for a few minutes with the ball, let them! After a bit, encourage them back and restart the game.