How to teach a dog the “Give” command. How to teach a dog the command “Fetch!” What does the command give to a dog sound like?

According to veterinarians, every dog needs training in certain commands. Of course, for service dogs the list of required skills is strictly specified, but pets may only know a few commands, for example, “Fetch”, “Foo”, “Come to me”, etc.

Teaching your pet one or another “trick” allows you not only to diversify daily walks, but to develop obedience in the animal, correct perception of the world, and add physical activity, which will have a beneficial effect on health.

Don’t think that the “Fetch” command, familiar to many, is just a game for a dog. In fact, when a dog runs and gives an object on command, he develops a lot of useful skills that will be useful to him in the future.

Is it worth teaching your dog the “Fetch” command?

For those who are thinking about how to teach a dog to fetch a stick on command, but are afraid that the training will not give any results, I would like to give a little encouragement. With such activities, you develop your pet, allowing it to develop normally.

The dog learns:

navigate the terrain and look for an object that forces him to use his sense of smell and sight;
think logically. That is, the owner gave an “order”, received what he asked for, he is satisfied;
patience. An animal learns to run after a stick only with the permission of its owner;
control emotions. A trained dog knows that no matter how much fun he may have playing with a stick, it must be returned to his owner.

According to experts, teaching the “trick” of returning a stick is very important for puppies that are characterized by excessive mobility, playfulness and aggression. It is necessary to teach the animal to concentrate on the object that is thrown to it. In this case, with strong emotional arousal or aggression, without receiving the “Fas” command, he will gnaw on the fetch object, and not on the intended enemy.

tactics for training service dogs

If you do not plan to make your pet a service dog, then it is up to you to decide whether it needs to be taught the “Fetch” command or not. But if your pet is involved in rescue and search activities, then the animal will have to be taught such a “trick”. Such skills are included in the mandatory standard.

If the owner gives the dog the command “Fetch”, the dog must find the thrown object and return it. However, it is worth mentioning here that not every breed of dog likes such instructions. There are animals that fundamentally do not carry out “useless” commands. But even the most stubborn puppies enjoy playing with a stick or ball in the company of similar friends.

To facilitate the learning process, it is recommended to combine training with age-related changes in dogs. So, at the age of 3.5-4 months, puppies’ gums begin to itch and their teeth begin to change. This period is considered favorable for the beginning of the educational process.

If you want to start training earlier, then this is not prohibited, the main thing is that it brings joy to your four-legged friend and you.

Those who want to teach their pet to perform actions according to all the rules are recommended to adhere to the following scheme:

the animal should position itself near the trainer on the left side near the leg;
the stick is thrown forward, while the dog should not budge, but wait for instructions;
the trainer says “Fetch”, on command the dog rushes for the stick;
Having found the stick, the pet must return to its original position, going around the trainer behind him. At the same time, no gestures or sounds can be made;
The dog must give the object to the trainer or place it on the ground after appropriate instructions.

Of course, this option looks boring and sad. It’s unlikely that anyone would want to train their four-legged friend like this. Therefore, the above scheme is suitable mainly for animals that will later become service dogs.

If you are going to throw a stick or ball to your pet just for fun and joy, then a softer method will suit you.

How to teach your dog to run after a stick yourself

So, if for you the “Fetch” command will only be a pleasant pastime, then the dog should be able to do the following:

start searching for an abandoned item at your command;
pick up a stick;
return the returned item to you;
perform all actions both on a leash and without it.

The training will take place in 3 stages. At the initial stage, you will need a stick and a positive attitude.

Let's look at the first stage, it can be practiced even with a tiny puppy:

go outside with your pet on a leash;
tease the dog with a stick, making sure it doesn’t grab it;
throw the object no more than 2 m from your feet;
if your pet showed interest in fetch and ran on its own, then that’s great. If not, then during the game, slightly pulling the animal, run towards the stick together;
provoke the dog to pick up the fetch, if he doesn’t do this, then wait. As soon as the animal takes the stick in its mouth, say “Fetch”, the command must be given clearly and loudly.

Enough for the first stage of training. For now, it should be in your pet’s head that the word “Aport” is permission to take action. “take an object that can be chewed”.

The subsequent stages are combined into one, since complex training will be required here. Otherwise, you will encounter a problem: your dog will not want to give up the stick and you will have to play “catch” with it. You need to exercise outside, while your pet is on a leash.

The procedure is as follows:

starting position - dog at the foot, as if taking a position on the command “Place”;
now throw the stick and say “Aport”. Even before the start of training, you must decide whether the puppy can immediately rush after the thing or only after a voice instruction;
when your pet has picked up the fetch from the ground, begin to lightly pull the leash without saying anything;
finish the exercise at your own discretion: sit the dog in front of you or near your left limb, remove the stick from its mouth.

Young and active puppies, having played out, may try to snatch an object from their hands and then begin to run away. Don't let your pet do this; regulate his behavior with a leash.

The command to fetch a stick, toy or some other object is perceived by many dog owners as pampering. But this is a very useful command that will help develop the dog’s search abilities in the future.

How to interest a dog?

With the right approach to an animal, the “fetch” command can become his favorite command. An interested dog will be very happy to retrieve an abandoned object, even if it doesn't like it.

The main thing is that the dog gets as much exercise as possible, since almost all dog breeds are very active and love to frolic, playing with their owner on the street. When she gets rid of accumulated energy, she becomes calmer and more obedient, and also amenable to training.

This will help her develop physical fitness, which is very important for a good purebred dog.

Stages of training - features of training!

You can start teaching your puppy the “fetch” command at the age of one month. For such a small pet, training should take the form of a game, and after five months he will not only bring an object to the owner, but also sit near his left leg and hold it in his teeth for as long as necessary. The dog must give the item back after the command “give.” This is a good step for developing obedience in a dog and an excellent foundation for teaching more complex commands in the future.

To make it interesting for your puppy to learn the “fetch” command, you need to start playing with something he loves. For example, your favorite toy is a soft puller or any other. You can start training a small puppy at home, in the hallway, for example, but not in the kitchen, where there are a lot of distracting objects.

On the street during a walk, the puppy should play enough and grab the toy with its mouth. If he exhibits excessive passivity, the reason for this may be an unfamiliar area or poor artistic abilities of the owner. It is believed that children are the best motivators for dogs. They are just as active and even dance to attract the dog’s attention to themselves and their toys. Probably the laziest animal will start playing while watching such children.

You can throw a stick and kick it with your feet. The puppy should become interested and follow the owner, running after her. When he just grabs her with his mouth, it is recommended to wrestle with him, flirt with him and playfully tug at her. When this happens, you need to repeat the words “fetch, okay” from time to time.

We must not forget to praise the puppy every time, stroking it with your free hand as encouragement. In order to stop the fight and pick up the item, you need to say the command “give”, then repeat the game again.

The main goal is passion!

The owner's main goal is to develop the dog's passion for games. So, she will know that if she brings the thing, she will have the opportunity to have fun. This means that you must first flirt with the dog for a long time, and after some time it will begin to bring things. Thus, it is possible to achieve that the dog would rather refuse food than play with the owner.

How to teach to bring an object?

To do this you will have to wear a collar with a leash. Taking it by the very end, you need to throw the toy or stick at a distance of up to one and a half meters (no further is needed yet). When the dog runs up to the object and takes it into its mouth, you need to repeat the word “fetch” once and pull the leash.

The dog runs up to meet the owner, and he, in turn, grabs the object from the other side. So, a joint game begins with tugging and repeating the words “fetch, okay!” The game should last at least three to five minutes, more is possible.

It happens that the dog does not even want to run after the thing, let alone bring it. In this case, you need to arouse interest in it. During each walk, you must play and repeat “fetch, okay!”, otherwise nothing may work out.

If the dog runs up to the stick, but just stands near it, not paying attention to the commands, you will have to revive it a little. Move your foot and get the animal to take it in its mouth. When this happens, all that remains is to play with her.

When the dog starts to do everything correctly, runs after the stick, grabs it, you need to command “fetch”, pull the leash, play and be sure to praise, you can also reward it with a treat. After a few minutes, you need to throw the stick away again, saying “give.” If your dog is already losing interest, you can continue training the next day.

Over time, the dog will understand that bringing something to the owner is a very profitable business, because he can play after it or even receive a reward.

Working without a leash

When everything works out on a short leash, you can try training the dog on a long leash. The throwing distance increases by 2 meters, then each time the task becomes more difficult. This will take a lot of time, but it is necessary to achieve a distance of 5 meters and precise execution of the command.

The most common mistake dog owners make is demanding unquestioning dedication from the dog when the task becomes increasingly difficult. Everything should happen gradually. You should always praise the dog, treat it with a treat, and when it learns the “fetch” command, it will be ready to do everything without food - just for one kind word from the owner.

In the future, the “fetch” command will become the basis for learning to search on the ground, work on a trail, select a thing and protect it. If you don’t have time to train your purebred dog, then it is better to contact a professional trainer who will approach the training with knowledge.

During the training process, the dog and the owner must be in an aura of positive attitude; a kind word and decency of the trainer can work wonders! Your dog will very soon reciprocate your love and devotion!

Teaching your dog to fetch toys is easy. Dogs love to play and please their owners, and being able to fetch balls, pullers, etc. involves both of those things—a dog should be able to do that on its own, right?
This is absolutely not true. There are dogs that understand play from birth, they will automatically chase and fetch any object, but most dogs do not do this. They either sit and look at you with a questioning look, or they run after the toy, but do not “catch” it and do not bring it back.
So what can you do to help your puppy learn to play? Here are six good tips.

1. Start with motivation.

If your dog is the “sit and watch” type, your first goal is to teach him to run after an object (toy) that he will then need to fetch. There are three ways to do this, depending on what motivates your dog: You can play with him, pet him, or offer him a piece of a treat.
Whatever motivation you use, the process is basically the same. Encourage your dog to run after every single item you want him to fetch. When your dog grabs it, reward him and then take the item back. Repeat this several times and then throw the object a short distance. When the dog runs after the object, immediately reward the pet with the exclamation “Good!”

2. Add additional motivation.

Want to motivate your dog even more? Try to contain it by throwing the toy. She will naturally resist, especially if you offer verbal encouragement while you are still holding her back. Once you finally release her, she will chase the object like a rocket.

3. Tray subject.

Once your dog has learned to chase an object, the next step is to realize that your dog actually needs to bring it back to you. There are a number of different things you can do depending on your dog's behavior. If she doesn't bring the item back, you can use a second toy. After she has “caught” the first object, you need to show her the second one and throw it in the opposite direction. The dog probably won't carry the first toy with him, but it will at least get him used to the idea of running back to you after he catches the item. Once she gets the hang of it, try calling her back while she's holding the object. If you show the second item, she will most likely drop the first one. Eventually the dog will learn that if he comes back to you and lets go of the object, you will throw it again.

4. How to avoid "running away".

For dogs that like to catch things and run with them, a leash can help. After he catches the object, pull the dog towards you or run away from him with it. This should encourage your dog to follow you. Do this for a few weeks and your puppy will naturally come to you.

5. Get it tion subject back.

If your dog stops and drops an object before reaching you, back away and say, “It's okay,” or “Get it.” Once it reaches the area where you were originally positioned, walk up to it and praise the dog, then throw the object again. If the problem is that he won't let go of the object, tell your dog to drop it and reward him. Most dogs will drop the item to eat the treat.

6. Choose something What your dog loves.

Perhaps the most important rule of all is that your dog will not chase what he doesn't really want. So feel free to experiment with different objects (balls, sticks) until you find one she's passionate about.

When training a small puppy who is not yet able to hold toys tightly enough, it is recommended to use a piece of white or light-colored cloth tied in a knot. For older puppies, it is advisable to choose the most interesting toy.

The cloth is passed in front of the puppy's face, encouraging him to grab the cloth. Attempts to open the mouth and lick the fabric are encouraged verbally and with treats. Then they move the fabric a short distance, encouraging the baby to approach the object. At the same time, they are sure to praise.

When your pet picks up an object, you need to attract his attention and encourage him to return back with the object. To do this, call the pet to you, pronounce its name, and pat the floor with your palm. When the baby succeeds, enter the command “Bring it!” or “Aport!” The command is pronounced before throwing the object. After some time, the command is pronounced at the moment when the dog grabs the object.

Classes should be short - 5-10 minutes, and should be conducted in a quiet place. 2-4 repetitions per approach are enough. You should exercise at least 2 times a week.

Gradually the object is thrown to a greater distance. The distance is increased very slowly. If the object can no longer be reached with your hand, then use a long leash, with which you guide the dog when it needs to go back. When the pet has taken the object, carefully tighten the leash, letting the animal know where to go. They stop pulling on the leash as soon as the puppy turns in the right direction and begins to return.

If the animal does not bring the thrown object, there is no need to fuss and immediately run to pick it up. You should sit and wait patiently until the dog returns with the toy. Therefore, the distance is increased slowly. If the result cannot be achieved, then stop the lesson and try again later.

When the dog commands “Fetch!” brought an item, they command “Give!” and take the item, in return, treating the pet. If the animal does not give up the object, then use a treat that the pet cannot resist and will definitely release the toys from its mouth. It is not recommended to motivate the puppy to come back with another toy, although it is sometimes very effective. Some dogs, anticipating the throwing of another toy, release the first toy from their mouths without bringing it to the starting point.

Practice with frequent repetition and positive reinforcement will achieve the desired results. As the results improve, classes are held in different rooms, then outside. Gradually reduce the number of treats. The process of play itself should be a reward for the dog. And throwing a toy should motivate the animal to run after it and bring it back.

When the pet copes with the task, you can remove the leash and practice the command without it.

After working with the dog on the command “Fetch!” with a toy, you can complicate the task and teach your pet to fetch a stick, slippers, or any other objects. But before that, it is necessary to replenish the dog’s “vocabulary”. Study the names of the items so that your pet can understand which item needs to be brought. Next, the result is consolidated by sampling items. 3-4 objects are laid out in front of the animal and one specific object is named. If the pet chooses the named object, then you can proceed to practice the exercise of bringing this particular object.

How to teach a dog the command “Fetch!”

The command “Fetch!”, in which the dog must pick up a thrown object and return with it to the trainer, is somewhat different from the game “fetch a stick”. Command "Aport!" used in sports disciplines where order and obedience skills are important. All actions are performed on command. They begin to practice this command when the puppy is 7-8 months old, and he already knows the commands “Near!”, “Sit!”, “Come to me!”. Before throwing, the pet must sit on command at the left leg, then on command run after the object, and when returning back, go around to the right behind the trainer and sit at the left leg, waiting for the owner to take the object. If you have previously mastered the command “Bring!”, then transform it into “Fetch!” won't be difficult. Training comes down to practicing a strict sequence of actions.

There is a general training course that includes not only basic skills, but also the “Fetch!” command. Not all novice dog breeders know what it can mean, as well as how to properly train an animal. In this article we will talk about how to teach a dog the “Fetch!” command.

To ensure that from the first days the puppy understands who is boss in the house and does not begin to dominate the person by dictating his own rules, it is important to immediately begin training the pet. Experts believe that teaching a dog to fetch things thrown into the distance is possible without the help of an experienced dog handler. Not everyone knows what the word “fetch” is for a dog. This is a skill that encourages the animal to run, pick up from the ground, return, walk around the owner on the right and sit on the left.

Training is carried out with a puppy aged 7-8 months, who already knows and follows basic commands: “Come to me!”, “Near!” and “Sit!” The benefits of mastering the skill of bringing and giving an object to the owner are obvious: the dog gets used to looking for something and navigating in space, is involved in an interesting game process, using the organs of vision, hearing, smell and all types of its memory.

A conditioned reflex is also developed - the pet learns to build logical chains. Your pet must not only bring back what is thrown, but also learn to control his emotions and be patient, since the prey will have to be given back after the chase and search.

This skill will also allow a pet, whose owner, due to a busy work schedule, cannot walk with him for a long time, get the necessary physical activity.

Video “Teaching a dog the command “Fetch!””

From this video you will learn how to teach your dog the “Fetch” command yourself.

Choosing a retrieval item

To train your dog independently, you need to prepare equipment. This primarily concerns fetch items, which can be frisbees, rubber bones, or special bones from a pet store. A squeaky toy or any ball is also suitable, preferably the size of a tennis ball. A plastic bottle filled with water, cereal or sand, or even a simple stick found on the street, will do the job perfectly.

In order for the animal to quickly get involved in the learning process and get used to it, it is advisable to use one thing all the time. It is not recommended to use soft toys for such purposes, as they can quickly become dirty and damage your pet’s teeth. Items should have a streamlined shape and light weight.

Learning algorithm

Some owners claim that there are breeds of dogs that cannot be trained to fetch sticks and other objects, but this only means that the owner lacks the patience or skill to engage the animal. The easiest children to learn are those who love to scratch their teeth and play.

Much depends on temperament - training with a phlegmatic or melancholic person will take more effort and time. Functionally, the process consists of executing the commands “Take!”, “Bring!” and “Give it back!”

Take it

The owner and the animal take their positions - he is on the lawn in a free position, the dog sits or lies at the owner’s left leg. You need to show what will later become your pet’s prey, tease the animal a little, and give him the opportunity to try it out. During the game, it is recommended to repeat the word “Take!”

You should drop what the owner has chosen, interest the dog in the process of playing, so that he wants to pick it up from the ground, but do not force it. Toys and other objects are prohibited from tearing or running away from the trainer with them. Gradually you need to increase the throwing distance, but do not untie the dog. When he learns to pick up something thrown at a distance of several meters, he can move on to learning the next skill.

Tell the dog “Bring it!” permissible only once, and he must obey. The offering and the process of transferring things to the owner is carried out without using the orders “Come to me!” and “Ugh!” You should not allow your pet to tease the trainer with objects; it is important to teach him the ability to give up prey and cope with his emotions that prevent this.

Throw the object of pursuit several meters into the distance, and when the dog picks it up, command “Bring it!”, and do not forget to slap your hand on the knee. The last gesture replaces the order “Come to me!” When the pet masters this skill, he will have to present objects to the owner without visual or vocal accompaniment.

Give it back

The animal will probably try to run away with the prey, but the trainer needs to carefully pull it towards him. It may be advisable to walk around behind your pet and sit him in front of you. With his free hand, the owner takes the prey, monitors the dog’s reaction, and then carefully pulls it towards himself. If the animal tries to dodge, use a jerk with the leash.

The dog should hold what he has caught for no more than 15 seconds; most likely, he will want to release it from his mouth himself so that the owner will throw it again. Next, you need to command “Give!”, then praise and encourage your four-legged friend, and then repeat the exercise.

When training your pet to fetch fetch items, you should remember that dogs do not like to take things into their mouths that are covered with long fur or feathers. During the training process, the commands are repeated 3-4 times, followed by a break of up to 10 minutes. They move on to the next stage after the dog has learned the previous skill.