On Retrieving
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Pets.
Teaching Your Dog to Fetch: A Guide
Summary
Katharine recently adopted a bright and eager border collie named Rosie, around 18-24 months old, from the local SPCA. Rosie has already mastered several commands and Katharine wants to teach her how to fetch for exercise. Here’s how you can train a dog like Rosie to fetch successfully.
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Dear Adam,
I adopted Rosie, a border collie, about six weeks ago from the local SPCA. She's about 18-24 months old, and while I don't know much about her past, I can tell she's incredibly smart and eager to please. Rosie understands commands like "NO," sits on command, is housebroken, stays within the boundaries of my farm, and even comes when I ring a Tibetan bell.
My Question
Since Rosie comes from a working breed, I want her to learn how to fetch, whether with a tennis ball or a Frisbee, to ensure she gets plenty of exercise. Given her intelligence, I believe she'll pick it up quickly. Could you provide some tips?
P.S. I enjoyed your book and have been using your techniques to help Rosie adjust to her new home. Despite my friends thinking I'm "nuts" for some of the methods, like spitting in her food bowl to establish alpha status, I have a wonderfully behaved pet, unlike theirs.
Looking forward to your advice,
Katharine
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Dear Katharine,
Thanks for reaching out!
Training Tips
I recommend revisiting the section in my book on page 53 about "How to Speed Up Training Results by Using the Ball and Food Drive!" This part offers guidance on harnessing a dog's natural instinct to chase things?"a technique known as "play retrieve."
Play Retrieve
If Rosie has any prey drive, you can use it to get her excited about fetching. For dogs without this drive, it might be more challenging.
Trained Retrieve
A "trained retrieve" involves teaching a dog to pick up an object and hold it until given a release command. This method focuses on using natural instincts to make the training fun and energetic. It's particularly suitable for tasks like service guide dog training. However, without natural ball drive, a dog might not run as fast during retrieval.
Personal Experience
I'm currently working with my dog, Forbes, on a trained retrieve, where he can carry items for long periods. Forbes already enjoys play retrieves, like carrying an empty bag to the trash after breakfast. Once he masters the trained retrieve, he’ll be able to carry items like a hammer or phone during a walk.
Incorporating these behaviors can offer both exercise and utility, allowing your dog to pick up diverse objects?"even a can of beer!
Best of luck,
Adam
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