Play Fetch, Exercise Your Dog
As day-to-day life gets busier and busier for most of us, it gets harder and harder to find the time to exercise our dogs properly. All dogs need some sort of exercise, but the amount varies depending on your dog’s breed. I’m sure you’re aware of your dog’s energy level and how he requires a moderate amount of daily exercise. Allow me to explain a fun game that will poop your pup out and give you time to spare.
Why Play Fetch?
Fetch is a great game to teach your dog. It builds a strong relationship and provides lots of physical activity. One of the great things about the game is you can play it anywhere–indoors or outdoors, which is convenient during extreme weather conditions and apartment living.
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Choosing a Fetch Toy
Choosing a fetch toy is a very important part of the fetch process. If your dog is not interested in the toy, then he’s not interested in the game.
Find two toys that are easy to throw, such as tennis balls, rubber toys and squeaky toys that your dog finds enjoyable. Now, all fetch toys should be able to bend easily. If they’re too hard, they can fracture your dog’s teeth.
If your dog tends to like stuffed toys, you may want to try the Kong Wubb. This is a Kong toy covered in furry fabric material with dangling pieces. Whichever toy you choose, make sure your dog likes it and the toy is only used for fetch games. If your dog is not interested in toys, that’s OK. We can charge the toys and build a positive association. To do this, pair the toys with a yummy treat and reward your dog and interact with them with the toy.
Teaching Your Dog to Play Fetch
There is more than one way to teach your dog the game of fetch. Today, I will discuss the two most common ways that may work for you. You can either choose to use only one of them or even combine both methods to see what works best for you.
Use Food Rewards
This particular method works really well for dogs who are not really motivated by toys and play.
First, stock your pocket with really yummy, high value rewards. Play with your dog and introduce the fetch toy. Next, toss the toy for your dog to retrieve. Once your dog begins running and grabs the toy, verbally praise him. Encourage your dog to come back to you by making kissy noises and patting your leg. When your dog returns to you with the toy, trade a treat for his toy. This teaches your dog to release the toy–win-win situation!
You want to practice this exercise several times for short periods to keep your dog interested in the game. Once your dog is happily retrieving the toy and finding the behavior (game) rewarding in itself, you can begin fading the food reward and only reward randomly or at the end of a good game.
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Use Two Toys
If your dog really loves toys, this may be the way to go when teaching fetch.
First, take your chosen fetch toys. Begin light play with your dog to get him excited about a play session. Toss the first toy, encouraging your dog to retrieve it. Praise your dog once he runs toward the toy.
Once he grabs the first toy with excitement, encourage him to head back your way with some kissy noises or pats on the leg. If this doesn’t work, show him the other toy. Maybe even give it a squeak or bounce. Once he returns back to you, trade your dog for the second toy (dog drops first toy on ground) and then immediately throw the second one.
Ping bong back and forth for short periods of time to keep the dog interested in the game. Continue to use two toys until your dog finds the game rewarding in itself, eventually eliminating the second toy.
Now Play Fetch!
Now you and your dog have a fun game to play that will give your dog the exercise he needs and help continue to strengthen your relationship. I encourage a nice fun game of fetch every day, especially if you’re unable to take your dog for a walk. Remember, end your fetch game before your dog becomes disinterested, so he’s anticipating the next game.
Sources:
www.akc.org
www.kongcompany.com
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Teaching your dog tricks is fun, but there’s more to it! Spending time to teach your dog new behaviors builds a strong bond of trust between you and your pet. Plus, you’re providing mental stimulation, meaning you’re keeping your dog’s brain sharp and engaged. You’re creating a thinking dog, which is fabulous!