How to train your dog to bring you things
Dogs are amazing creatures. They do so much for us, and we owe them a lot in return. This article will teach you how to train your dog to bring you things with just a little patience and plenty of treats.
How to train your dog to fetch things for you
Training your dog to fetch things for you is a fun and easy way to keep them entertained. It also provides a great opportunity for you to spend some quality time with your pup. All you need is a little patience and plenty of treats!
Start by teaching your dog the 'sit' and 'stay' commands.
The "Sit" command
One of the easiest commands to teach your dog is the 'sit' command. This is a basic obedience command that will come in handy for many different situations. There are a few different ways to teach your dog this command, but one of the most effective methods is through positive reinforcement.
To teach your dog to sit, start by placing a treat in front of them and slowly moving it upwards. As they follow the treat with their nose, their rear end will naturally lower down into a sitting position. When they are in the sitting position, praise them and give them the treat. Be sure to repeat this exercise several times each day until your dog has mastered it.
The "Stay" command
The "Stay" command is another important obedience command that every dog should know. This command can be used in a variety of situations, such as when you need them to stay put while you open the door or if you want them to remain in one spot while you run into the grocery store.
To teach your dog this command, start by asking them to sit. Once they are in the sitting position, tell them "stay" and give them a treat. If they get up from the sitting position before you give them the treat, tell them "no" and put them back into the sitting position. Repeat this process several times each day until your dog has mastered it.
Once you have gotten the "sit" and "stay commands down, it's time to introduce the concept of bringing you things. Get some treats ready!
Once your dog has mastered these two basic skills, it's time to start asking them to bring you something. To begin this training, we recommend getting a few treats ready and placing them in a central location where you and your dog will be. Then, ask them to sit and stay while you walk a few steps away from them. Once they are in the sitting position, tell them "fetch," show them a treat, and then toss it in a different direction or behind a piece of furniture that they can't see. If your dog runs after the treat, immediately tell them "good boy!" when they pick it up in their mouth. Repeat this process several times until your dog understands what you are asking them to do. Eventually they will get better at finding the hidden treat on their own!
The "Fetch" command
To teach your dog the 'fetch' command, start by getting some treats ready and placing them in a location that is easily accessible to you and your dog. Then, get their attention by calling them over or playing with them for a few minutes. Once they are excited and looking at you, ask them if they want to fetch something specific. For example, ask "do you want fetch?" before giving them an item during playtime. Then, show them a toy or object they are familiar with and throw it in one direction. If your dog runs after the object, immediately tell them "good boy!" when they pick it up in their mouth. Repeat this process several times until your dog understands what you are asking them to do.
Be patient while training this command, and provide your dog with plenty of rewards when they get it right. It may take a few weeks until they fully understand what you mean by "fetch," so continue practicing on a daily basis until they do!
If you aren't sure if your dog is ready for this type of training, take them to a local obedience class. These classes are typically free or very cheap and the access to expert dog trainers can help speed up the learning process!
Once your dog has mastered these simple commands, try teaching them how to bring you their leash next. Usually, this is one of the last tricks people teach their dogs because it requires a bit more training than the first two steps.
To teach your dog this trick, follow the same process as before by asking them to sit and stay while you go somewhere else in the house. Once they are sitting and looking at you, tell them "fetch" and show them their leash. Then, grab one end of the leash and hold it above your head while you call their name. If they walk towards you, give them plenty of praise when they get to you! Repeat this step several times until your dog starts to learn what is expected of them when they hear the command "fetch."
The "Drop It" Command
Once your dog understands that 'fetch' means bring something back to you, teach them what 'drop it' means. When your dog brings the leash to you, tell them "good boy!" and immediately make them sit back down. Then, take their end of the leash and show it to them while saying "drop it." If they let go, give them plenty of praise for doing so! Repeat this process several times until your dog knows that "drop it" means to let go of the leash.
Once they have mastered this part, try calling their name and asking them to drop it when you are holding both ends of the leash. Reward them with praise if they do so! If they don't understand, try placing one end of the leash in your hand and ask them to drop the other end. Continue rewarding every time they let go of something, whether it's their leash or toys during playtime!
Once your dog sits, tell them to 'stay' again and walk over towards the door. When you have both hands on the doorknob, ask for their leash or toy again while being sure to praise them if they bring it back to you. If your dog doesn't understand, try placing their leash or toy on the ground next to where they are sitting and ask them to 'stay' again while you pick it up. Once you have both objects in your hands, open the door and tell them "good boy! let's go!"
If your pup is having a hard time concentrating, try making them 'stay' in the same spot for a few minutes. Once they are staying calmly, ask them if they want to go somewhere specific like outside or inside. If they get up when you do, firmly tell them "no" and make them lie back down until you return. Then, open the door and let them go inside or outside!
Once your dog has mastered these commands, the sky's the limit on what you can try. Try teaching them how to fetch you a soda from across the room, or get them to push open doors that would otherwise be difficult for someone with their hands full! Be sure to let them know when they get it right, and always praise them for doing so.
Patience is key
Don't lose your cool or get discouraged if your dog doesn't catch on right away. It can take a while for them to learn this new command, so be patient and reward them whenever they do succeed.
Don't give up on the command! If you stop practicing, then your dog will probably forget what you are trying to teach them. Be sure to reinforce the command several times a day for about a week until you notice that they are starting to understand what it means.
Once your dog has mastered these steps, try asking them if they want to fetch something specific. For example, ask "do you want fetch?" before giving them an item during playtime or go outside and ask for their leash to take them on a walk. Soon you'll be able to ask your dog to bring something specific that they know!
Throwing their toys around can become quite annoying for many pet owners, especially when it's time to clean up the mess afterwards. Teach your dog how to fetch an object by using this same technique above.
What are some benefits of training your dog to fetch things for you
Some of the benefits of training your dog to fetch things include the time you are able to spend together, bonding with your pup, and mental stimulation for your dog. Training can help strengthen the bond between you and your pup, which often results in happier, calmer dogs.
Another benefit is that fetching things for you keeps your dog's mind stimulated. Teaching them new tricks and commands helps to improve their cognitive and physical abilities, which often results in a happier and healthier dog.
How long does it take to train your dog to fetch things for you
The amount of time it takes to train your dog depends on the age of the pup, what tricks they already know, and how much effort you put into training them. Overall, it can take anywhere between 3-10 months to teach your dog this trick.
What are some good fetching things for your dog to bring you
Some of the best objects for your dog to fetch include balls (tennis balls or small plush ones), stuffed animals, frisbees, and sticks. Be sure not to use any object that could pose harm to your pup, such as sticks with sharp ends or tennis balls with loose fuzz.
There are many benefits associated with teaching your dog this trick. These include bonding time between you and your pup, mental stimulation, strengthening the bond between owner and pet, and strengthening cognitive abilities. Overall, training your dog to fetch things is an easy, fun trick for both you and your dog to enjoy!
