Want a simple and fun game to play with your dog? Try fetch. As natural "chasers," most dogs love this game. In fact, some dogs prefer chasing a ball over eating treats!
To play fetch, you'll need something safe to throw and safe for your dog to carry, like a tennis ball or frisbee. Be careful that the item is not so small that your dog could accidentally swallow or choke on it. You can spark your dog's interest in the object by rubbing some meat on it. He shouldn't hesitate to run after it once he smells the enticing odor.
Stand in one place, as you throw the object a few feet (you can throw it farther as he catches on), yell "fetch," so your dog starts to learn what that word means. He should chase the object and pick it up.
Now comes the hard part. Tell your dog to "come" and make him sit (while still holding the object). Then gently take the ball from his mouth as you say "drop it." When he does, heap loads of praise on him.
Whatever you do, don't chase him! If you do, he'll only learn the fun of being chased by you. Stick to your guns, and your dog will soon realize that he has to give the object to you or the game will end. Once he knows that fun will follow, he should eagerly drop the object again and again.
Fetch can even be taught to puppies as young as ten weeks old. At this age, you're better off rolling a ball only a few feet away, since puppies get easily diverted.
Provided by
American Humane Association
63 Inverness Drive East
Englewood, CO 80112
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