dog training : Fetch

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Place the toy on the ground. Initially, you will mark any sort of interaction with the toy. This may be your dog just looking at the toy. When I talk about marking, I am referring to using a clicker or specific word to mark the exact behavior you want and rewarding afterward with a treat. So, you will wait for your dog to look at the toy. As soon as he does, click (or use maker word) and reward. Make sure to use a special treat your dog will love.
Do this until your dog is reliably looking at the toy for a reward. Once he has this down, it’s time to ask them to do something else with the toy. He’s probably getting frustrated that his treat is not forthcoming. Most dogs at this stage will nose the toy or touch the toy with their paw. When this happens, mark it and reward. This is now what you require before he’s rewarded.
Hold the toy in your hand and place it near his face. If he wasn’t previously touching his nose to the toy, this is when you will require it. Wait until the dog sniffs the toy and then mark and reward.
Progress from here. Again, once your dog is nose touching the toy, hold out on the reward. Your dog will then get frustrated and try and mouth the toy. Immediately mark and reward this.
Put the toy back on the ground in front of you. Ask him to pick the toy up and then place your hand under the toy and mark and reward when he places it in your hand. Now you want him to understand that he should retrieve the toy and bring it to you even if you’re further away.
Take a step back and ask your dog to bring the toy to you. Encourage him and be sure to reward him when he does so. Next time, move two steps back, still encouraging him and acting excited when he moves towards you. Instantly reward him again.
Increase the distance gradually while maintaining your requirements for getting the reward. Eventually, your dog will be willing to pick up anything you ask and place it in your hand for his reward.
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