Labrador Retrievers have long been a favorite breed among dog owners. Loyal and affectionate, they make a great addition to any family, even those with young children. Another endearing trait of a Labrador is that they are very intelligent. Teaching new tricks is fun for the Lab and they enjoy spending time with the person teaching them. Fetching is a relatively easy trick because they are retrievers.
Things You'll Need
- Toy
- Dog Treats
- Leash
Instructions
Put your dog on a leash. When you first start training, you will have better control if your dog is leashed.
Know what your dog's favorite toy is. It is easier to train him if you use what he wants to play with as the bait.
Be prepared with treats. Keep small bite-size treats in a pocket or nearby to reward your dog when he completes the task.
Make sure you have your dog's attention as you toss the toy a reasonable distance. Make sure he can reach it without you having to release the leash.
Wait for your dog to grab the toy in his mouth and then call him back to you with the word you would like for him to respond to. For instance, you may want him to bring the item back when you say "bring" or "fetch." If he comes back to you with the item immediately, reward him with a small treat. If not, give a gentle tug on leash as you repeat your word. When he does bring it back, treat him.
Practice, Practice, Practice. The more you train him, the better he will learn your cues. Practicing until he gets it, and then reviewing frequently is important in keeping the trick fresh in your dog's mind.