How to Teach Your Puppy to Fetch a Toy (Step-by-Step Guide)
How to Teach Your Puppy to Fetch a Toy (Step-by-Step Guide)
One of the most fun and rewarding games you can teach your puppy is fetch! Not only is it a great way to bond, but it also burns off energy and reinforces useful skills like recall and drop-it. Best of all, you don’t need any special equipment—just a toy, some treats, and a little patience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help your puppy learn how to fetch like a pro.
Step 1: Choose the Right Toy
Start with a toy that’s soft, lightweight, and easy for your puppy to carry in their mouth. Squeaky toys or small tennis balls often work well for young pups. If your puppy already has a favorite, start with that!
Step 2: Get Your Puppy Interested
Wave the toy around, squeak it, or toss it a short distance to spark curiosity. If needed, reward your puppy with a treat or praise just for going near or picking up the toy. This builds a positive association.
Pro Tip: Keep the excitement level high! Playful energy encourages engagement.
Step 3: Encourage the Chase
Toss the toy just a few feet away. When your puppy runs after it, cheer them on with praise. At first, they may not bring it back—and that’s okay. The goal right now is to build excitement around chasing the toy.
Step 4: Reward the Return
As your puppy picks up the toy, call them back to you in a happy voice. Use a cue like “Come!” or “Bring it here!” and reward them with a treat when they return—whether or not they still have the toy.
If your puppy drops the toy before returning, don’t worry. Just go back a step and try again. Gradually, they’ll make the connection.
Step 5: Teach “Drop It”
Once your pup reliably returns with the toy, teach them to drop it in exchange for a treat. Hold a treat in front of their nose and say “Drop it.” When they let go of the toy, reward them immediately.
Repeat this consistently—puppies learn best with clear patterns and positive reinforcement.
Step 6: Build Distance
As your puppy gets the hang of the game, start tossing the toy farther. Keep rewarding them for both returning the toy and dropping it on cue.
Eventually, you won’t need to treat every time—praise and the excitement of the game will be reward enough.
Common Challenges & Fixes
- Puppy runs away with the toy? Try playing in a smaller space like a hallway or using a long leash to gently guide them back.
- Loses interest quickly? Keep sessions short and end on a high note. Puppies have short attention spans!
- Doesn’t drop the toy? Don’t chase! Use treats to encourage the drop instead.
Final Tips
- Be patient—some puppies take longer than others.
- Use lots of praise and rewards.
- Practice daily in short sessions.
Remember, fetch should always be fun! Keep it light-hearted, celebrate every little win, and your puppy will be playing fetch in no time.
-Amy
