Puppies are not fully developed when they are born. It is not until the fourth to seventh week that they start to interact socially and play with other members of their litters. It is during this time that they learn basic manners, such as bite inhibition, from both their mothers and siblings. It is not until they are about eight weeks old that humans can begin training them. This is when it is possible for people to start teaching their dogs basic skills, such as walking on a leash and coming when called.
Things You'll Need
- Toy(s)
- Collar and leash
Instructions
Training Dogs
Train dogs first in basic skills, such as sitting, coming when called and lying down. In order for dogs to know that they need to bring a ball back, first they need to know how to listen to their owners. It is during the developmental stage where they are fearful but are developing mentally and physically, during the first eight weeks to three months, and it is best to start teaching them to listen then. If they are not taught basic skills, it will be pretty difficult for owners to train them later.
Begin playing with dogs during the next stage of development, during the first four to six months. This can be difficult because they may be going through a stage where they are becoming more independent and do not listen well. This is the time that it is best to start teaching a dog to play fetch but in a way that does not involve wrestling or tug of war for the objects that are being thrown. During this time, dogs are learning about the idea of assertion of dominance, so it is important that they do not learn that fighting is appropriate. If they do, they can become overly aggressive dogs. So, in teaching them to play, it is important to do so in ways that are fun but not violent.
Establish a word or gesture that communicates to dogs what is expected of them. It is important to teach this to dogs during the early phases of their development, usually within the first six months. If a word is used, it can be something simple such as "fetch," but it should be a one-word command that it is easy for pets to understand. Often a word or gesture that is uncommon works well because it cannot be confused for other commands or language spoken to dogs.
Train your dog to fetch by establishing a pattern. There are different ways to teach pets to fetch that are effective, but it is important to be consistent. One method involves teaching them manually. First owners need to have dogs sit next to them. Next, owners throw the objects across the yard or park, give the cue to the dog, walk toward the objects with the dogs and either allow the pets to pick them up or put them in the dogs' mouths to demonstrate what is expected of them. If dogs pick up the objects, they should be rewarded, with positive words, gestures and treats to show them that they are exhibiting behaviors that the owners wish. The other method only works if dogs are already running after objects. Owners should have them on a leash, throw the balls or objects and unclip the leash to let the dogs run after the objects. This is best done in a fenced-in area, where the dogs are not around a number of distractions. Once the dogs have retrieved them, owners should use the commands, calling them to get them to bring back the objects. Sometimes, with dogs that are companions, it is not as important for dogs to have to wait for the fetch command after a routine has been established, but it is better for owners to communicate with them in the best possible ways when they are still puppies.
Continue to use the same methods to teach dogs to fetch. The best ways that they learn to do anything is through reinforcement, especially positive reinforcement. If owners are consistent and show them what is expected of them on a consistent basis, using the same commands, and rewarding them when they retrieve objects, they are likely to learn how to fetch.