hiya I have been trying to get Freddie interested in fetching a ball. Half the time he doesn't even bother chasing it, and the other half he chases it and then walks away lol. I taught my spaniel to do it from 9 weeks by putting the ball under my arm to get my scent on it, but freddie isn't playing ball (pardon the pun) Any suggestions? I have tried looking through Pippa's articles but I could only find the very complicated retrieve, not just a simple fetch. He will give things to me when I say give to him but that is more when he has his raggy bone or a sock etc!
Re: how to teach fetch? How about throwing something else he is interested in...a toy, something squeaky might get his attention?
Re: how to teach fetch? ... or a rolled up sock of yours. Just don't overdo it, it's easy to bore a puppy.
Re: how to teach fetch? we started just with a toy in the house over a very short distance. Still not crazy about it, trying to interest her while we out walking but not happened yet.
Re: how to teach fetch? [quote author=jade805 link=topic=2142.msg19187#msg19187 date=1375043169] we started just with a toy in the house over a very short distance. Still not crazy about it, trying to interest her while we out walking but not happened yet. [/quote] Out on a walk you are competing with too many other interesting and distracting things. Stick to small confined otherwise boring spaces.
Re: how to teach fetch? I know nothing about the dos and don’ts of gun dog style retrieve, but in terms of just fetch Charlie would chase his toys when we threw them, then would carry them around a bit – we just praised him like mad if he headed back in our direction with them, and the first few times he dropped one at our feet, he got treats – and he still does get the odd treat if he puts the ball right in our hands. (I think I read somewhere that this isn't the right thing to do though). We started in his room (so boring, only his toys were of any interest). Then we moved on to the garden, and didn’t bother the first few times we went to the park or the beach – too many other things to do. Now, he is mad for fetching his ball on walks, but we play fetch after he has had a good while sniffing and exploring. We have tennis balls, very bouncy balls, and safestix but he'll fetch pretty much anything. Today, after we put all the fetch toys back in the bag, he badgered us to throw his water bowl which was the only thing left out! Which OH did…nutty dog! fetch a water bowl! by JulieTandCharlie, on Flickr So I’ll get him a Frisbee next. It’s really handy being able to play fetch. A great way to allow the pup to have a good run without worrying he’ll head off somewhere. So very worth while encouraging it, I think.
Re: how to teach fetch? I can get Poppy to fetch and find a certain ball, but to get her to drop is another matter any easy solutions, treats don't really work...
Re: how to teach fetch? I didn't have this problem for long - about a week. After that, he got the idea that if he gave me his ball, he might get another throw. I just waved his fave treat under his nose and said "drop" when he dropped it under my hand so he could get the treat - worked a treat (hah, hah) - now he'll give me just about anything on "drop". It really had to be his absolute fave treat though - pressed cod or a huge hunk of sardine. It had to be worth giving up that ball for....roast chicken would only do it sometimes.... this tactic is all probably illegal in gun dog circles, and I'm sure someone more experienced/professional will give you better advice!
Re: how to teach fetch? [quote author=Dexter link=topic=2142.msg19321#msg19321 date=1375160262] Julie,bribery works just fine in our house for something's too .... [/quote] And in our house too Rachael
Re: how to teach fetch? You might find this link useful. It's a short video by Chris Burns who helped me with basic training with Lady. It's about kicking off with a puppy and includes fetch right at the end. uk.youtube.com/watch?v=mf3vhneVu_w It's also just nice to watch. There are a couple of his other short videos too at www.breezeleafspaniels.co.uk.
Re: how to teach fetch? Lilly (when she is focussed) is quite good at fetch, although after a bit she just stops doing it. She is not a natural born retriever... it took a long time to get her to do it in the first place! She much rather perfers a chase with another dog! But when we got her photos taken, she surprisingly fetched it and did it well enough to get a good shot of her... Sophie
Re: how to teach fetch? Just found Poppy's magic word not drop, give etc but sit!!! been working well the last couple of days bless her I must really confuse her sometimes....
Re: how to teach fetch? Most puppies will drop a retrieve if you ask them to do something else. This can be a problem when trying to teach the dog to do other things whilst holding on to the retrieve ;D I will try and get an article up on the puppy retrieve shortly ;D I thought there was one, but I can't find it. Pippa
