How to Teach a "Keeper Dog" to Fetch or Retrieve

If you have a dog that is more of a "keeper" than a retriever, there are a number of things you can do to teach your dog to retrieve.

Some people take a tennis ball and put a slit in it. They then put a treat inside the tennis ball, and show the dog that the treat is there. They then throw the ball, and only release the treat after the dog brings it back.

Another possibility for dogs who will bring you the ball but not drop it is to put a treat in your hand at the same time you say "drop" when they do bring the treat. Do this repeatedly, and eventually your dog will catch on. It does take patience, however!

If your dog is learning disabled (e.g. a wonderful dog but having a hard time catching on), you could practice in a hallway or other small area to limit distractions. You will need to use treats in this little exercise, and a toy. (Hint: the treat should be an exciting, favorite treat, while the toy should be rather boring.) If your dog doesn't come inside, just go to a place where you have a short distance to practice in. Then gradually increase the distance as your dog learns the trick.

If your dog always runs away from you when you try to grab the treat, try using a long line to "reel them in". You can by 30-60' lines at the pet store or order them online. Once again, having good treats or a second toy to trade for is key. This long line trick also works if the dog doesn't come after they get the ball. And if your dog isn't interested in the ball at all, try the "treat inserted into the tennis ball" trick together with the line.

Ideally, you would train your dog to come to you and sit when they fetch the treat. Then you say something like "drop", "out", or "give" while you simultaneously retrieve the ball from the dog while giving them a treat.

As soon as the dog gives up the ball, praise and reward him or her. If they won't give it up for the first treat you have, try a second, more alluring treat, together with heaps of praise for a job well done.

Believe it or not, but retrieving actually does not come natural to many dogs-even retrievers who were bred for this very purpose. It has to be taught. The saying that you can't teach an old dogs new tricks isn't true when it comes to treats, however. With patience, and a bit of "tricky treating", you really can teach your dog to fetch.