When should I start training my puppy to fetch?

Fetch is a fun game to play with any dog. It involves throwing a ball or another toy and having your dog chase it then bring it back to you. Many people think this game is something dogs do naturally. However, most dogs need to learn how to do it, or at least some part of it. Fortunately, it's not difficult to teach your dog to fetch.

Before you do anything else, make sure your dog has a good understanding of the sit command. All games of fetch should begin with you asking your dog to sit. Make sure it's sitting calmly next to you before moving on to the next step. 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.

Once you get your dog to sit, throw the ball and tell it "fetch." Start by throwing the ball just a short distance. Most dogs will instinctively chase the ball and pick it up. If so, you're done with this part of the training.

If fetching doesn't come naturally to your dog, you may have to work on training it to play first. You can start by giving the dog treats or praise for taking an interest in the ball. Then, slowly work your way up to having it run after and pick up the ball.

This step and the next are the most important parts of the game of fetch. It's also the place most people run into trouble. If you can't get your dog to come back and drop the ball, you're not playing fetch, you're just playing chase!

The best way to get a dog to return to you with the ball is to make sure it has a strong understanding of the come command before you begin. When playing fetch, as soon as your dog picks up the ball, say "come." Encourage your dog to come back to you by speaking in a happy voice, patting your legs, and giving it praise.

If a dog is having trouble with this step, you may need to shorten the distance you throw the ball. In some cases, you will have to start with throwing it just a few feet away from you then gradually increase the distance. Your dog should be able to consistently bring the ball back to you before you move on to the next distance.

It can be tough to convince a dog to return the ball to you once it has it in its mouth. It helps if your dog knows the "drop it" (or release) command. Practice that before you play fetch with your dog and as soon as it returns to you, give the command "drop it." If the dog releases the ball, give it praise and throw the ball again as the reward.

If your dog will not release the ball, you need to make it worthwhile, and treats usually do the trick. Give your dog the "drop it" command, and then show it the treats. The dog will have to release the ball to get the treats. Make sure you wait until you have the ball back in your possession before giving up a treat. Then give your dog an additional reward by throwing the ball to continue the game. If your dog keeps crowding you, you can also teach it to back up.

Another option is to use two balls instead of treats. As soon as your dog returns to you with the first ball, show it the other ball you're holding in your hand. Many dogs will drop the ball they have to go after the second ball. As soon as your dog drops the ball, throw the one in your hand for it to fetch. This approach doesn't always work, however. Some dogs refuse to let go of the ball they already have. In this case, the treat method is probably your best option.

Keep in mind when you're going through these steps that your dog is likely to be just as happy playing chase or keep away as it is playing fetch. Don't get sucked into a game of chase! If your dog runs off with the ball, turn your back and begin to walk away. Most dogs will run towards you. If your dog refuses to bring the ball back, end the game.

For dogs who persist in running away with the ball, try practicing while your dog is on a leash. Throw the ball just a short distance, give the come command and then just stand there and wait it out. Use treats and praise to coax your dog in the right direction.

Some dog trainers also use the approach of hiding a treat inside the ball. To do this, cut a small slit in a ball and insert a treat while your dog is watching. Your dog will know the treat is inside and be able to smell it, but most likely won't be able to get it out on its own. Instead, when the dog brings the ball back, you will have to get the treat out. After just a couple of throws, your dog will realize that to get the treat, it has to bring the ball back to you and drop it.

If your dog does not pick up the idea of fetch right away, give it time. Be patient and consistent. If you practice a little each day, your dog will eventually figure it out. You may find that your dog becomes a fetch fanatic! Once you can successfully play the game in your backyard, you can take it to the park and proof the behavior to see how your dog reacts around distractions.

How to Teach a Dog to Play

Plenty of dogs will happily run after a thrown toy, but then don't want to bring it back. Or they might pick up the toy and make you chase them around just for fun — dogs just love a game of keep-away! Other dogs are more interested in the hair between their toes than the fetch toy you’re trying to get them excited about.

Some dog breeds have been bred to retrieve, such as Labradors, Goldens, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and more. But even retrieving breeds like these sometimes don't "get" a game of fetch. But there are things you can do to teach a better retrieve!

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What's important to remember is that fetch is a game. Consider whether it's worth your time and energy to try and get your pup interested in games of fetch. There is nothing wrong with other forms of exercise, games of tug, and mental enrichment that your dog may enjoy more. If a dog doesn't show interest in fetch, a great alternative option is playing with a flirt pole.

Fetch is a great way to get your dog exercise and to burn excess energy. It’s a handy way to tucker them out so they get the sleep they need. Plus, it will keep them mentally stimulated and strengthen your bond together. 

Not sure what toy your dog might enjoy the most for games of fetch? Click here to see our picks for the Top 10 Best Fetch Toys for Your Dog.

What You'll Need to Teach Your Dog to Fetch

Helpful cues prior to teaching fetch:

How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch

First, you'll want to introduce the toy and then encourage your dog to interact with and grab the toy with their mouth. You'll then build on this and introduce tossing the toy away from you and rewarding your dog for picking it up. After that it's all about rewarding them for bringing it back to you and slowly increasing the distance you throw the fetch toy. Start with these steps indoors where your dog will be less distracted.

Training your dog to fetch and bring the toy back takes practice! It may also require you to act a bit crazy about the fetch toy to increase your dog's excitement if they aren't too keen on toy play to begin with. Learn more here about how to get your dog interested in toys for fetch. 

Let's break down these steps one by one so you can get started with your dog:

Step 1: Introduce the Fetch Toy

Once you’ve picked out a good toy, introduce it to your dog so they start to get excited about fetch.

• Place the toy near you. As your dog gets close to it, click (or say "yes!"), praise, and give a treat.
• If they touch their nose to the toy, click, praise heavily, and give treats.
• Continue this process until your dog really likes interacting with the toy.

You can increase excitement over the toy by moving it around for your dog to chase or play tug with it. It all depends on what your dog finds fun, so don't be shy in acting a bit crazy about the toy to encourage your dog to follow suit!

Step 2: Move the Fetch Toy Around

Now that your dog is starting to figure out that touching the fetch toy means treats, start moving it around so they have to move to get to it.

Don’t throw the toy yet, or even move it very far.

Simply hold the toy in slightly different positions — at arm’s length — and encourage your dog to touch it. Each time they touch the toy, click or say "yes!", treat, and praise.

Continue this little dance until you’re sure the behavior has stuck.

Step 3: Get Your Dog to Grab the Fetch Toy

Now it’s time to start rewarding your dog when they actually grab the toy with their mouth. This can take a little patience on your part. The key is to watch your dog’s behavior and reward when it starts to look like the behavior you want. 

Place the toy on the ground at about arm's length. If your dog moves from touching their nose to the toy and begins using their mouth, it's time to click, praise, and treat. Each time they get a little closer to biting the toy, continue to reward.

If and when they pick up the toy with their mouth, act like it’s the best thing you’ve ever seen (and don’t forget to click and give treats)! Remember that your dog will be looking to you for reassurance that they’re on the right track. Your dog may have trouble figuring out how to grab the toy on the ground with their mouth. If this is the case, you can hold it for them until they get the hang of grabbing it in their mouth.

Step 4: Start Throwing the Fetch Toy Short Distances

At this point, your dog should know that placing the toy in their mouth means they get a treat.

The next phase is perhaps the trickiest, but you only need to follow the same method of rewarding small steps toward success. 

Toss the toy just a few feet away from you. When they pick it up, click, treat, and praise. Continue this until they understand what they’re supposed to do. Then toss the toy and encourage your dog to bring it back to you. When they do, click, treat, and praise.

Step 5: Throw the Fetch Toy Farther

Once your dog has realized that they get treats when they get their toy and bring it back, start "upping the ante" by throwing the toy farther.

It might help to find a hallway (which will reduce distractions) and toss the fetch toy farther and farther away. 

With each successful fetch, offer treats and praise, then toss the toy a little farther. Repeat as many times as necessary for your dog to understand what this fetch game is all about.

Step 6: Add a Verbal Cue (Optional)

This part is optional. If you would like to add a verbal cue like “fetch,” now is the time to do so (when your dog is successfully fetching their toy). 

Say the word before throwing the toy, then lay it on heavy with treats and praise when they successfully fetch for you and say something like “good fetch.”

Of course, it’s not necessary to say “fetch” or another similar word.

By this point, your dog has probably learned to enjoy the game itself — with or without a verbal cue.

This video by the late Sophia Yin is great at illustrating how to teach your dog fetch through incremental phases and rewards.

Step 7: Play Fetch Outside!

Up to this point, you’ve been playing fetch inside, where things are nice and quiet. But now it’s time to head out into the world where distractions are plentiful. 

Begin in a fenced space, such as a backyard or other enclosed spot. If you don’t have such a yard, try a quiet fenced-in park or another public place. Go during times when there aren’t other dogs or people; at least, when there aren’t too many other dogs and people. If your dog isn't yet good at going off-leash, learn how to train them and be safe when off-leash.

Be sure to bring some treats with you, as you’re now asking your dog for a little more effort and they’ll need a reward for everything to sink in. Play fetch as you would at home, tossing the toy farther and farther away and rewarding your dog for successfully bringing it back to you.

What to Do if Your Dog Won't Drop the Fetch Toy

Dogs just love to play keep-away and fetch provides an opportunity to do so. If your dog runs after the toy, grabs it, and then doesn't bring it back to you to return it, it's time to focus on teaching some helpful cues.

Don't give your dog what they want when they're playing keep-away! Instead, the game and fun simply ends. You can walk away and pretend to do something else. Keep-away isn't fun for your dog if you don't play it with them.

Focus on teaching your dog how to drop it on cue. Our article How to Teach Your Dog to Drop It has step-by-step instructions and tips. You'll also want to make sure your dog has a solid come-when-called cue to help them learn that coming all the way back to you is part of the fetch game.

A game of fetch is basically: Fetch the Toy + Come Back to Me with the Toy + Drop It = treats and more play! Sometimes dogs need help putting these behaviors all together.

Final Notes on Teaching Your Dog to Fetch

Some dogs might never learn to love to fetch. Maybe you can teach them the behavior, but they just don’t get to the point where they enjoy the game. If this is the case with your dog, don’t worry. There are a ton of other fun ways to get your dog some great mental stimulation and physical exercise. You can try working on:

• Scent training (a.k.a. nose work)
• 'Sniffari' Walks
• Agility training
• Dock diving
• Going for hikes
• Interactive toys and food puzzles (especially the types that have to be moved around for a dog to get at the treats inside)
• Hide and seek (stash some of your dog’s favorite toys throughout the home and encourage them to “go hunting”)