How to Train Your Older Dog to Play Fetch

How to Train Your Older Dog to Play Fetch
Easy difficulty iconEasy
Time icon1-7 Days
Fun training category iconFun

Introduction

Fun isn't just for youngsters! If you have the pleasure of adopting a mature canine, you'll soon learn that old dogs can certainly learn new tricks. And those tricks don't have to be all business; some of the best bonding time you can have with your pooch is during play!

Everyone's go-to game with their dog is "fetch". But what may surprise you is that not all puppers are born knowing the concept of this simple pastime. Some need to be taught the rules, and that's okay too!

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Defining Tasks

Fetch is the classic game between owner and dog where the human throws an object (usually a ball, toy or stick) and the pooch runs, retrieves the item and brings it back. The beauty of fetch is that it tires your dog out physically and mentally while you don't even have to break a sweat. When dogs get the hang of it, it's an activity that they love! Some pups even become fetch-obsessed, trying to keep the game going long after you're over it.

Thankfully, fetch isn't a difficult game to teach your four-legged friend. Generally, after a few sessions of fun, most dogs pick up the idea just fine. The sooner that you help the old boy or gal learn to fetch, the sooner you both can be having fun together!

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Getting Started

If you want good results, make sure you come to the table with all the right things. Good things to have when training an older dog to fetch are:

  • Treats: Most methods involve at least a few treats here and there. Food makes for an easy positive reinforcement tool, so bring on the goodies.
  • A Clicker: These handy little training devices make getting your pooch's attention a cinch. You can find one at most pet shops.
  • A Toy or Ball: Make it one your doggo already loves, if possible. The more excited he is about the object being thrown, the more likely he is to react to the game.
  • A Backyard or Outdoor Area: Fetch requires some wide open space. If you don't have your own, seek out a local dog park where your pup can run his heart out.

If, at any point during the game, your dog simply stops interacting, don't punish him! Losing interest just means that session is over. There is no need to associate negative things with an activity that is supposed to be fun. It's also important that you make sure your dog is able to run before participating in fetch. Some older dogs are just not mobile enough to retrieve.

Below are some of the most popular methods to teach your fur buddy to fetch. See which one sounds the most doable for you, or try out a few ways and see what one suits your canine companion best.

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The Uninterested Dog Method

Most Recommended

2 Votes

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Most Recommended

2 Votes

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1

Drop the ball

Put the ball or toy on the ground.

2

Reward any interaction

As soon as your doggo touches or looks at the toy, use a clicker to get their attention and toss over a treat.

3

Keep doing this

Repeat until your dog knows that interacting with the object = treats.

4

Encourage contact

Delay the click + reward until the dog physically touches the object.

5

Get them to hold it

Pick up the toy, offer it to your dog and click only when the pupper grabs it with their mouth.

6

Have them pick it up

If this goes well, put the toy back on the ground, wait for the dog to grab it and click + reward.

7

Make it fun

Be excited, and play with the toy or ball yourself.

8

Add some distance

Throw the toy a little way and click + reward if your dog approaches it.

9

Train them to return

Call the dog back, and if the pooch obliges, click yet again.

10

Repeat

Continue having these sessions until the canine is happily participating without the need for treats.

The Excited Dog Method

Effective

1 Vote

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Effective

1 Vote

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1

Sit him down

Get your dog into a sit position.

2

Show the ball

Raise the ball up so he can see it in your hand.

3

Take it away

If he gets up or jumps, hide the ball behind your back.

4

Wait for the sit

Do not bring it back out until your pooch drops his butt again.

5

Reward obedience

When he finally agrees to stay in a sit when the ball is in sight, praise him like crazy and toss the ball.

6

Repeat!

Keep going through the steps daily until your dog starts to cooperate on his own.

The Backwards Learning Method

Least Recommended

1 Vote

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Least Recommended

1 Vote

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1

Start at the end

Put your pup on leash but allow some slack. Hand over the ball.

2

Wait for the ball

Place your hand under his mouth and wait. Don't say anything.

3

Return the ball

When he finally gives in a drops the ball, immediately give it back.

4

Reward the return

Offer a treat as well to make it extra fun.

5

Try a toss

Throw the ball nearby on the ground and wait for your pooch to grab it.

6

Keep things happy

When he does, call him over in a positive manner.

7

Toss it again

As soon as it's brought over, throw the ball back to your dog. Increase the distance of your throw.

8

Continue

Practice, making your dog sit in between throws.

Written by Abby Clark

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 10/17/2017, edited: 01/08/2021

Training Questions

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Training Questions and Answers

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Bentley

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Golden Retriever

Dog age icon

2 Years

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Question

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Bentley loves his ball and runs after it when i throw it but never brings it back I have to follow him around until he drops it and I really want to teach him how to fetch it back to me. Any advice would be gratefully received :-)

Aug. 4, 2021

Bentley's Owner

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Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer

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1128 Dog owners recommended

Hello Jo, Check out the section on Come in the Fetch article I have linked below. I recommend using things like a long training leash, running away from pup to get them to chase after, and playing with a second toy so that you can throw the toy you have in exchange for the ball pup has. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-teach-a-dog-to-fetch/ If pup gets to the point where they do well on the long training leash, but struggles to bring it back once tosses are further, you can practice with pup wearing a rolled, handle-less check cord, which you can grab the end of and reel pup in where you called them from with. Again, using a padded back clip harness like the article on fetch recommends doing. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

Aug. 5, 2021

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Maverick

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Weimaraner

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2 Years

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Question

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My dog is great dog, but I am trying to work with him to become a hunting dog, but the trouble is that he doesn't fetch. I have tried several different methods, but the problem is that he has no interest in the ball (or any toy for that matter). I just got him a few months ago so I'm not sure if there might be a reason for his behavior because of when he was a puppy of something. Any ideas? thanks

May 2, 2021

Maverick's Owner

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Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer

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1128 Dog owners recommended

Hello Emily, Since you are wanting to train for hunting, I would use a frozen bird's wing, or frozen dead pigeon, that's been thawed out right before practice, and see if you can get him to chase after that. Some dogs are not ball motivated. The instinct to chase for a retrieval is often instinctual. When it's not there it can be "force fetch" taught, but I suspect that pup simply needs to be motivated with something other than the types of toys you have tried, something more prey like. You might also try a flirt pole. Check out this article on fetching also. https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-teach-a-dog-to-fetch/ Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

May 3, 2021


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