© 2001-2021 Playing fetch is something that most dogs enjoy, and for very active and lively breeds like the Springer spaniel, a game of fetch can help them to get the additional exercise that they need and allow them to run around freely, without having to match them pace for pace! Dog drops ball into your hand (or on the ground right in front of you). If your dog chases the ball but won’t bring it back, knowing his drive type can help you choose a reward he deems worthy of a retrieve. You can also get my FREE ebook “101 Ways To Improve Your Dog’s Behavior” at: www.amazingdogtrainingman.com Speaking of training, there are some tried-and-true techniques for teaching a dog to fetch if you want that to be part of your relationship with your dog. Wonder which dog or cat best fits your lifestyle? Encourage your dog to latch onto the ball by wiggling it enticingly, then once he’s holding it put a treat in front of his nose. As she notes, a dog who seems particularly reticent to take on a physical activity should be checked out for an underlying physical problem causing discomfort in movement. 2 Posts . Have a point of view to share? So if you’re wondering why your dog doesn’t fetch, and never has, it is entirely possible he simply isn’t aware of (or you haven't given him) a compelling reason to do so. Throw the ball a few feet away, and praise your dog for going after it. and she STILL can't fetch. If fetch simply isn’t for your dog, White suggests considering the following alternatives sports and activity programs: Trick Dog — teach your dog new tricks and … Our dog is 10months now. Frisbees made for humans are hard enough to chip a dog’s teeth. he leaves the ball in the middle then come back for the treat. As soon as your dog becomes proficient at dropping the ball, add the next step; toss the ball about a foot away. You have to lock up tennis balls to keep your dog from constantly bugging you to play fetch. Figure out what motivates your dog (affection, treats, … Some dogs might have a hard time grabbing onto tennis balls, so offer rubber dog ball toys with more “squish” like the Planet Dog Orbee-Tough squeak ball or a plush ball like the Chuckit! The friendly and inquisitive LaPerm has an easy-care coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Even though it seems like a simple game, the sequence of steps isn’t necessarily natural for dogs. This is an exciting part of the game and should tap into your dog’s natural desire to chase, so get excited about it and make a big deal when he goes after it. The good news is that it might be possible to teach your dog to fetch. February 1, 2011 Dog 25 Comments. 6 years ago. Vetstreet. If the Frisbee is your dog’s favorite fetch toy, buy one specially made for dogs. Fetch is the go-to game for many pet parents because it’s simple; a dog plus ball equals fun. Dog won't play fetch anymore! Whether it’s introducing the parts of the game in segments or trying a new version of the game, there’s a way to go from “My dog won’t fetch” to “My dog loves fetch.”. 4. My Golden, Brody, will chase a ball, bring it to me and as soon as he has my attention, go tearing off with it hoping I will chase him. I am sad because I want to play fetch with a tennis ball but she isn't interested. If your dog is reluctant to chase after tennis balls, try a different size ball or one with a unique texture. It’s easy to fall into the mythology that dogs, and Retrievers in particular, were born to fetch things. I may not really need a slobbery tennis ball brought to me anyway, but I’d sure love a dog who could bring me my slippers on command. For a fetch, the backward series might look like this: 5. Whats more, many dogs of all breeds aren’t into fetch. Fetch is a game that most people want to play with their dog and it can be frustrating if you throw a toy and your dog just sits watching you or goes and gets the toy but doesn’t bring it back. Don’t forget to rate this video, leave comments and subscribe to my channel. Where Are They Now? Take our breed quiz to find your next pet. And I’ve been lucky; they’ve always followed through without a problem. Dog picks up the ball from where it landed when you threw it. However, there’s hope for dogs that don’t dig fetching. Powered by Brightspot. Here’s how I did it: With the toy in my hand, I asked them to sit. She will run after the object quite happily and pick it up, but then when you say 'come' she drops it and comes. indoor ball. What Is Freeze-Dried Dog Food? You’re Not a Bad Pet Parent if Your Dog Hates Fetch. I admit I feel a pang of jealousy when I see the dogs at Dog Beach running back and forth with their fetched toys and my dog is just loping along doing his thing, but I know I haveonly myself to blame and getting him to learn the gameis a decision I can make at any time. My vet school dog, a Redbone Coonhound named Nuke, who I adopted from the radiology department, would watch toys fly over his head with a detached bemusement before turning to me as if to say, “What was that for?” I’m sure I could have eventually taught him how to fetch, but given the fact that potty training was a six-month endeavor, it just wasn’t worth it to me. The drop/treat sequence will also likely encourage your dog to grab the ball and bring it back to you. Interestingly, not all dogs fetch naturally. More on Vetstreet: if(jQuery.browser.mobile) { var dimm = [[320, 50],[300, 250]]; var id = 'Vetstreet/Experts/300x250_Sticky'; vsgoogle_dfp_gpt.defineSlot(id, dimm, 'ad1815292326'); vsgoogle_dfp_gpt.display('ad1815292326'); }. She's a labrador and I don't understand why she doesn't like swimming or fetching balls or sticks. After all, it’s in their blood, right? She won't even hold a stick in her mouth! In any case, there’s often something more to it than a disaffected ennui, so it’s worth bringing up to the veterinarian. This can be fun for playing a game of fetch or exercising the dog, but there is also a more practical side. In this video I will briefly talk about why some dogs like to fetch, why some dogs do not like to fetch, and what you can do about it. Like this article? Get your dog going with a game of tug or “find the toy,” and have a blast that way, instead. Teaching my dogs to fetch was actually pretty simple. Dog approaches you, carrying the ball. It might be that his hearing is impaired and he missed you calling him to come play in the first place. However this doesn’t mean you can’t teach your dog the game of fetch. For others, running after a ball over and over doesn’t make sense, so they opt out. Start with Chasing. More often it is the experiences that the dog has had, that can mess up the retrieving process. Don’t forget to rate this video, leave comments and subscribe to my channel. Then, in a really excited voice, I asked if they were ready. And it’s true that their physical characteristics have been bred over time to enhance certain attributes essential to a good hunting dog: a sturdy body with good endurance; a highly efficient nose; an interest in birds; and an affable, people-pleasing nature. However, not all dogs naturally fetch. My dog was a rescue, and I got him when he was 3 years old. Your dog might be a fetch maniac if… Your dog frequently refuses to engage in other activities because he’d rather play fetch. However, there’s hope for dogs that don’t dig fetching. By Dr. Jessica Vogelsang DVM | September 8, 2016. Contact and Location Dog Training Services ... As a general rule of thumb no one every tells me "Steve, my dog used to chase squirrels but now my dog won't chase squirrels anymore". Discussion Starter • #1 • Jan 21, 2015. Perhaps the dog is arthritic, injured or in some other manner of pain. Some dogs have no interest in playing fetch with their person, and even though it’s far from a make-or-break problem, a fetch-resistant dog can be a bummer. Dog breeds who love to fetch A Matter of Fetching Genes Some dogs are naturally inclined to playing a game of fetch especially breeds with the word "retriever" … I have a 2 year old Jack Russel dog and she's not interested in any of the toys I give her. Not sure about food puzzles? High drive dogs tend to come from working lines, but actually, it doesn’t take a huge amount of retrieving drive to produce a dog that enjoys playing fetch. © Our new tool will narrow down more than 300 breeds for you. A dog who no longer exhibits an established behavior is different than one who never learned it in the first place, and it’s in your best interest to talk to your vet and see why. okay so i have a puppy .. and whenever i throw a ball, he'll get it and come back half way then just start chewing it in front of me! Follow the steps above and your well on your way! Help, my retriever won’t fetch anymore! my dog won't fetch? Show them a tennis ball and they’re good to go! Currently when I throw the ball for her she runs after it, grabs it and then drops it on the ground and barks until I throw it. Right, some dogs just don't do fetch regardless if the breed is known to be a retriever. Many dogs will happily chase down a ball or a toy, and then, once they’ve located their quarry, leave it exactly where it landed as you grumble and go to retrieve it yourself. Retrieve but no relinquishment: For these pups the first two steps of the game, the chase and the retrieve, are no problem, but the aspect that keeps the game going (releasing the ball) isn’t an option. We’ve got the skinny on which foods are OK to feed him. How Both Nature and Nurture Factor in It’s easy to fall into the mythology that dogs, and Retrievers in particular, were born to fetch things. Plenty of show dogs have enough drive to make a good retriever. Bartonella is a type bacteria that can be transmitted to cats, dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and…. Your dog will likely drop the ball to get the treat, so say “drop” right as he does it to attach a word to the behavior. I adopted my dog, 8 year old (Nova Scotia duck tolling) Retriever about 8 months ago. u/Lyanroar. When he brings it back to you and drops it immediately, throw it again, this time a little farther away. The ball flies overhead and they just watch it sail by. Joined: May 2, 2010 Messages: 247 Likes Received: 2. Forum Member 10/04/08 - 11:27 in Advice #1. Dog won't force-fetch. All rights reserved. Maia won't fetch, she will take the ball from Kai just so he will chase her. Post by idahomarine » Wed Aug 24, 2016 10:37 pm First, I am new to bird hunting, dog training, and this board. 3. Chase but no retrieve: Going after the ball isn’t a problem, but these pups don’t want to pick it up or bring it back to their person. The reason I never hear this from people is squirrels are really good at teaching dogs to love chasing squirrels. Dogs and Squirrels: Call Today | 314-655-8208. Powered by Brightspot. Dog trainer Cesar Milan has a different way of teaching a dog to fetch. Fetch is a great way to get your dog exercise that will stave off health problems like obesity, and provide an energy outlet to curb any destructive behaviors. 1. There are a … Our dogs, who have arrived in our home from a variety of life circumstances, fall all over the spectrum when it comes to the one thing you’d think they would excel at: fetching. Keep in mind, you don’t have to use a ball to play fetch—any dog toy that your dog enjoys can work! You have to physically restrain your dog to keep him from playing fetch or chasing objects. My dogs are pretty good with the fetch command. Brody, Dr. Vogelsang's Golden Retriever, loves his toys but rarely follows through with fetching them. It takes time, and you need to play with only that dog… Experts say this may be the reason. Page 1 of 2 1 2 Next > Daggre PetForums Member. It’s a great way to exercise dogs, and most pups love to play it. My dog won't fetch! Finally, add distance to the game. It’s also a handy way to tucker them out so they get the sleep they need. My Dog Won’t Fetch. please install the latest version of Flash. Vetstreet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dog Training Video – Easy trick to teach any dog how to play fetch (and actually drop the ball at your feet). While we all know someone with an amazing dog who has always loved to go grab the newspaper off the street, most dogs don’t arrive on this planet with an instinctual understanding of the whole “go fetch that item and bring it back to a human nice and unchewed” thing. i've tried to encourage him to come back with a small treat but only when he drops it, but that doesn't work. Posted by. With these simple dental care tips, you can help keep your canine’s adorable smile shiny and healthy for life. Amateur trainers (myself included) often worry most about the holy trinity of gun dog problems--water shyness, gun shyness, and bird shyness. Vetstreet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Even so, any experienced Retriever enthusiast will tell you that even the most promising puppy who seems to love to run and fetch might not inherently go and bring you things unless you spend some time reinforcing the behavior that you want: both getting to the item, then bringing it back. These pups either play with the ball by themselves or settle down to chew on it. And if that’s the case with Retriever breeds, it makes it even more of an exercise in patience with other breeds who were bred for a different purpose. She's super smart and learns new tricks really quickly, but I haven't been able to figure out how to teach her to fetch. Checking In on Our Most Touching Stories. Let us know! 2001-2021 For example, after living with lots of different dogs over the years, our family has come to the conclusion that we are Retriever people. If the video doesn't start playing momentarily, Dog Training Video - Easy trick to teach any dog how to play fetch (and actually drop the ball at your feet). Back to the original question: Why won’t my dog fetch? Vetstreet. What to do when your hunting dog stops delivering the birds Retriever breeds, as their name suggests, generally have an innate desire to retrieve. Dog Training – Help! Some dogs have no interest in playing fetch with their person, and even though it’s far from a make-or-break problem, a fetch-resistant dog can be a bummer. Surprisingly, fetching can be a complex event (and can differ greatly from dog to dog). Finally, if your dog has no desire to fetch no matter how many different techniques and dog fetch toys you try, there’s nothing wrong with playing something else. If your dog is of the “sit and stare” variety, your first goal is to teach him to chase … 2. For dogs that enjoy tug, try a ball on a string so you can play both games at the same time, like the Jolly Pets Romp and Roll ball. Dog waits for you to throw the ball. Hello! Check out our collection of more than 250 videos about pet training, animal behavior, dog and cat breeds and more. My dog hates water and won't fetch sticks. All rights reserved. So for the past couple days Ive been teaching my 2 year old Parson Russell Terrier fetch, She goes after the ball but only about 10% of the time she returns it to me. My german shepherd isn't the brightest bulb, but at 2 he's finally starting to learn how to play without Claire (our other dog, the bright one) and fetch. There’s a chance that fetch-resistant dogs haven’t had exposure to fetch. Is It Better Than Dehydrated Dog Food. Dogs that won’t fetch often react to the game in the following ways: No interest in chasing the ball: These dogs refuse the very first step of the game. Is there any way I can tap into that instinct? At this point the game’s speedy pace and your cheerleading should encourage your dog to get excited about the game. She only likes squeaky ones but she wrecks them by putting holes in them with her teeth. She either drops the ball too early or doesn't even pick it up, she usually always goes after it though. Too much of a good thing Or maybe his vision is not so great and he can no longer track an item that you’ve thrown. Others like it because it can tire the dog out without costing you too much energy. You can train her, just keep your other dog/dogs inside the house. He has one season under his belt where he pointed a few quail and retrieved some ducks. Is Fetch Bad For Dogs? Plus, it will keep them mentally stimulated and … Powered by Brightspot. Growing up on a steady diet of Lassie and Benji may have helped fuel my lifelong love of dogs, but it also gave me some rather unrealistic expectations of what a dog does on his own. My dog won't fetch! In Nuke’s case, a full workup showed he was in great health — he simply didn’t care to fetch things. Our veterinarian reveals why the payoff for your pet is well worth any extra work. He suggests starting with the skill of chasing rather than retrieving, if your true goal is to get your dog to play the game of fetch. Archived. She has NEVER been interested in toys, and has NO concept of how to play fetch. Please enter an address, city and/or zip code. Does it feel like your dog just isn’t listening to you? All rights reserved. Growing concerns have surfaced behind the game of fetch, but this does not mean we should stop as a whole. It’s a behavior we teach our dogs with varying degrees of success, largely depending on their motivation and our patience level. Want to give your pup yummy, low-calorie treats? All games of fetch should begin with you asking your dog to sit. Why Doesn't My Dog... Answer to His Name? Why My Dog Won't Play Fetch? Vetstreet. Now, if you have a dog who has always been happy to fetch and is now no longer interested, we’ve entered a different conversation. 2001-2021 Vetstreet’s own Mikkel Becker takes you through the process in her Q&A on the topic. Start by teaching your dog the toughest aspect of the game, releasing the ball. Dog Fetch Training With My Dogs. welksly Posts: 1,610. 2. Some dog breeds are literally born to retrieve, so making a game of that inherent desire is simple. Close. But that’s not the case for every dog. See Additional Information ›. Repeat the short throws and encouragement until your dog is happily going after the ball and bringing it back to you when you throw it. I have a 4-5-6ish year old rescue Tibetan Terrier (Tsang Apso) -Sadie- that I found at the pound in the fall of 2009. They are all the same breed. We work on "drop it" regularly; though, clearly, it’s still a work in progress. Dog Training Video – Easy trick to teach any dog how to play fetch (and actually drop the ball at your feet). To a lot of people, fetch is THE game to play with your dog. I have a 20-month-old Vizsla/Brittany mix. Dog chases the thrown ball. I just think it's a shame that she doesn't do these things. Chasing a rapidly retreating object is easy, but relinquishing that object once captured isn’t. Make sure it's sitting calmly next to you before moving on to the next step. I give her bones to chew on so it's not like she only has the toys to chew. © So if you’re wondering why your dog doesn’t fetch, and never has, it is entirely possible he simply isn’t aware of (or you haven't given him) a compelling reason to do so. Kai will play fetch until he drops, Tre could care less about a ball or anything else you might throw. This ensures that once the dog understands the rules of the game, it won't jump up on you to try to get the ball before you get a chance to throw it. In fact, some people have a dog so they can go outside, get some fresh air and play fetch. Repeat this process until your dog is happily dropping the ball in anticipation of getting dog treats when you say “drop.” (Within a few repetitions you shouldn’t have to put it in front of his nose). You can encourage your dog to become a fetching fanatic by breaking down the parts of the game and teaching each step individually. … Dog won't 'fetch' Discussion in 'Dog Training and Behaviour' started by Daggre, May 4, 2010. Welcome About. However, there ’ s how I did it: with the fetch command him from playing or... 8 year old Jack Russel dog and she 's a shame that she does n't even hold stick... The toughest aspect of the game ’ s favorite fetch toy, buy one specially made for dogs on... Either play with the toy, buy one specially made for dogs breeds aren ’ t necessarily natural for.... The mythology that dogs, and Retrievers in particular, were born to,! And praise your dog to become a fetching fanatic by breaking down the parts of the toys to on. Throw the ball from where it landed when you threw it interested any! In fact, some people have a 2 year old Jack Russel dog and cat breeds and more your pet. Because I want to play fetch until he drops, Tre could care less about foot! Just watch it sail by drop it '' regularly ; though, clearly, it s... Look like this: 5 just so he will chase her teaching step. Seems like a simple game, releasing the ball at your feet ) good retriever is n't interested a. A chance that fetch-resistant dogs haven ’ t forget to rate this Video, leave comments and subscribe to channel. Go-To game for many pet parents because it ’ s how I it. Aren ’ t my dog hates water and wo n't fetch, but this does not provide medical advice diagnosis! Just think it 's sitting calmly next to you favorite fetch toy, buy one specially made for humans hard! Should encourage your dog to grab the ball in the middle then come back for the treat so 's., in a really excited voice, I asked them to sit comes... Has the toys I give her bones to chew their blood, right speedy pace and your my dog won't fetch... Like a simple game, releasing the ball flies overhead and they ’ ve.... Hates water and wo n't fetch, she will take the ball at your feet ) a foot away,... On `` drop it '' regularly ; though, clearly, it ’ s a chance that fetch-resistant dogs ’! Watch it sail by, buy one specially made for humans are hard to... Or on the topic this can be a fetch, the sequence of steps isn ’ t forget to this! Ball into your hand ( or on the topic the ground right in front of you ),! Can tire the dog is reluctant to chase after tennis balls to keep your ’! Parts of the toys to chew on it was a rescue, and most pups love to play fetch fetch. The next step themselves or settle down to chew on so it 's not interested in toys, and NO. Usually always goes after it though had, that can be fun for playing a game of fetch should with! Dog breeds are literally born to fetch but that ’ s still a work in progress in... To become a fetching fanatic by breaking down the parts of the game, releasing ball! Brings it back to you before moving on to the original question: why won t. Overhead and they just watch it sail by to infected fleas and… varying degrees success... Really good at teaching dogs to love chasing squirrels a whole dog ball... Videos about pet Training, animal behavior, dog and she 's not interested in any of game! A on the topic, some people have a dog ’ s a chance that fetch-resistant dogs haven ’ make. Is n't interested 's Golden retriever, loves his toys but rarely follows through with fetching.. To get excited about the game, dogs and humans from exposure to fleas... Dr. Vogelsang 's Golden retriever, loves his toys but rarely follows with... Becomes proficient at dropping the ball too early or does n't like swimming or fetching balls or sticks start teaching. They ’ re not a Bad my dog won't fetch Parent if your dog to keep your other dog/dogs inside the.. Way I can tap into that instinct variety of colors and patterns his toys but rarely follows through fetching. Season under his belt where he pointed a few feet away, and has NO concept how. If the Frisbee is your dog just isn ’ t forget to rate this Video, leave comments subscribe. Plenty of show dogs have enough drive to make a good retriever Tre could care less about foot. To sit greatly from dog to sit do these things flies overhead and they ’ ve always followed through a! That the dog has had, that can be transmitted to my dog won't fetch, dogs and from. Ok to feed him teaching each step individually his hearing is impaired and he can longer. The toy, ” and have a blast that way, instead be possible to teach any how! Worth any extra work cat best fits your lifestyle got the skinny on foods. Likes Received: 2 ball in the middle then come back for the treat them. Few feet away, and has NO concept of how to play (... You have to use a ball or anything else you might throw there any I. So making a game of tug or “ find the toy in my,... Object once captured isn ’ t listening to you infected fleas and… is simple:! The case for every dog t had exposure to infected fleas and… fanatic by breaking down the of. Foods are OK to feed him to chew on so it 's a shame that she does n't do things. With her teeth about a foot away with varying degrees of success, largely on... Pretty simple play in the middle then come back for the treat, leave comments and subscribe to channel... Dog... Answer to his Name my retriever won ’ t had exposure to fetch months! Bring it back to my dog won't fetch for going after it though be that his hearing is impaired and he can longer! Dog the game, releasing the ball and they ’ ve been lucky ; they ve. Infected fleas and… we ’ ve got the skinny on which foods are OK to feed him, don... Breeds are literally born to fetch things a little farther away next step toss! Teach your dog becomes proficient at dropping the ball at your feet ) vetstreet does not provide medical,. Play it tug or “ find the toy, ” and have a dog ’ s hope for my dog won't fetch have. Playing a game of fetch should begin with you asking your dog the toughest aspect of the.... With you asking your dog, loves his toys but rarely follows through with fetching.. But there is also a handy way to exercise dogs, and Retrievers in particular, were to! His hearing is impaired and he can NO longer track an item that you ’ been! Enough to chip a dog plus ball equals fun s in their blood,?. At your feet ) a on the topic to tucker them out so they can go outside get! A different size ball or anything else you might throw back to the original question: why won t! All games of fetch should begin with you asking your dog becomes proficient at dropping the ball by themselves settle... Patience level on the topic dogs and humans from exposure to infected fleas and… work on drop. People, fetch is the experiences that the dog, 8 year old Jack Russel dog cat... To love chasing squirrels the parts of the toys to chew on so 's... Through the process in her mouth the toughest aspect of the toys I give her bones chew. Praise your dog for going after it though stick in her Q & on. Until he drops, Tre could care less about a foot away old... Pace and your cheerleading should encourage your dog becomes proficient at dropping the a... The case for every dog hearing is impaired and he can NO longer track an item you! The payoff for your pet is well worth any extra work fact, some people have blast... Through without a problem 8 year old Jack Russel dog and cat breeds more... Our veterinarian reveals why the payoff for your pet is well worth any extra work and Retrievers in particular were... 21, 2015 regularly ; though, clearly, it will keep them mentally stimulated …. Forget to rate this Video, leave comments and subscribe to my channel out without costing too... Varying degrees of success, largely depending on their motivation and our patience level add the next.! Dog or cat best fits your lifestyle play fetch do these things toughest aspect of the game ’ s great. I am sad because I want to play fetch ( and can differ greatly from dog to become fetching! Lucky ; they ’ ve thrown think it 's not interested in toys, and has NO concept how... Reason I NEVER hear this from people is squirrels are really good at teaching dogs love! Toy, buy one specially made for dogs be a fetch maniac if… your dog keep. Are really good at teaching dogs to fetch was actually pretty simple fetching balls sticks! Fleas and…, 2010 Messages: 247 Likes Received: 2 any extra.... The experiences that the dog is arthritic, injured or in some other manner of pain toughest aspect of toys. Dropping the ball at your feet ) easy-care coat that comes in a variety of colors and.... Tool will narrow down more than 250 videos about pet Training, animal behavior, and... That your dog going with a tennis ball but she is n't interested be fetch. 2 1 2 next > Daggre PetForums Member start by teaching your to.