We all love playing fetch or Tug Of War with our dog but sometimes your dog may not want to let go. Here at Dog Parent Academy we are here to provide you with all the tools, and know-how necessary to get your pup to play the way you think is best.
Fetch and Tug Of War are not only great ways to give your dog the exercise they crave but an awesome way to bond with your best friend. Whether its your days off from work, or just a short period of time to reward them for being patient waiting for you while running errands or whatever you might be doing. We guarantee they will appreciate every moment you spend playing with them.
This technique is not limited to only toys but for many varieties of items. With consistent training and bonding you can even manage to teach them how to bring you the newspaper or even the remote control. However, this will be much more advanced and require much heavier training and a variety of locations and scenarios.
For the first time trainer, it is recommended you have a Dog Training Clicker and any type of reward treat your dog will love for training your dog handy. The Dog Training Clicker is used by many professionals when teaching dogs to recognize the command with the click as well to associate the click with the reward. This allows for ease of action without treats later on in the training process, and instinctively lets your dog know you will be teaching them something new.
Step 1: The “Out/Drop” Command
When beginning this exercise you will need to use a toy that your dog moderately enjoys at first this way you can still get their attention associating a treat or reward as better than the toy. This can be a Tug Of War Toy, or a squeaky toy, etc. You will need to have your treats hidden or to your side for this training so a hoodie, or a bag to your side is recommended.
Begin by playing Tug Of War with a rope or plush toy, as your dog is getting excited and enjoying this play time, with the opposite hand slowly reach for a treat and use your command: “Out, or Drop It.” When your dog lets go when seeing the treat wait a small amount of time before giving the the treat. You can count “1,2,3” or say “Then” in order to give you some time, and then give your dog the treat, and use your click remote.
Step 2: Perfecting the “Out/Drop” Command
Once your dog is starting to find it very easy to focus on this command you can see if they recognize the command “Out and Drop” without the usage of the click remote, but still provide them the treats when completed successfully.
The last step in seeing if they fully recognize this command is to see test with another game of Tug Of War but without providing any treats and see if they begin dropping the toy when you use the command of your choice.
Step 3: Starting the “In My Hand” Command
As your dog can fully grasp the “Out and Drop” technique the next step will be incorporating this and taking one step further into your canine’s training by teaching them “In My Hand.” In order to begin this technique using a tennis ball or other fetch toy is ideal. Making sure the tennis ball is the right size for your dog’s jaw is also of importance. For smaller breeds many companies have smaller squeaky tennis balls for them to use, as well as other squeaky tennis balls for medium and large sizes to firmly grasp in their jaw.
You should begin by playing a game of fetch with your dog as usual, for some dogs you may be having trouble even having them bring the ball back to you in the beginning. This can be achieved by having the treat in their view but only provide them the treat if they come back to you with the ball.
Next, you will start by using the “Out or Drop” command discussed previously and rewarding them when they drop the ball. Repeat this process during fetch for a couple of times until you believe your dog is ready to begin the new command “In My Hand.”
Step 4: Conditioning the new command
To begin conditioning the “In My Hand” command you will want to only reward your dog after bringing the ball back to you and dropping if they place the ball in your hand. When your dog comes back with the ball you will want to hold open your palm in the beginning low enough for him to place the ball. You will state “In My Hand” and see the result.
If your dog drops the ball onto the floor you will want to back up and give space and state to the command again until your dog grabs the ball and places it into your hand. Once the ball is back in your hand and the command is completed correctly, you must reward your dog and use your wristband clicker to establish they have done this correctly.
Step 5: Mastering the Technique for All Environments
After practicing inside you will want to continue this training outside in more distracting environments, whether in a public park or your backyard. With your treats and click remote on hand.
With much training you should be able to have them put it in your hand whether it is muddy, rainy, snowy, or in any situation where you do not wish to pick up the ball.
Thanks to McCann Dog Training we are able to provide you a visual representation on this process. Many trainers methods, and dogs abilities vary however all dogs are smart and are able to learn with dedication, and a strong bond between Dog Parent and Pup.
– Video Courtesy of McCann Dog Training–
Here at Dog Parent Academy we are here to help you and your dog enjoy a stronger connection, and a lifelong connection. Our Dog Parent Academy Community is here for your questions, and is free to join. You can also find us on our Facebook Page and talk with other Dog Parents. Happy Training!
