Dear Old Trainer: Recently you had an article on how to teach a dog to fetch something. You explained the first part, how to get him to go after the object, then said you would explain part 2, how to train him to bring the object to you, in a later edition. Well, my old English sheepdog, Bosco, has the first part perfect. But he is waiting breathlessly for part 2, so he can bring the tennis ball back to me. Help!
Karolyn, Atwater.
A: Bosco clearly likes playing ball, Karolyn, and he will like it even more once he learns to bring the ball to you. He just doesn't know it yet.
You will both enjoy the learning process, but it is a formal training session so remember to:
1. Keep each session short, five minutes or so.
2. Have fun, but keep him focused on business.
3. Be patient and positive.
4. Praise and pet him when he does it right.
Start inside where there is limited space. Put a short leash on Bosco. Roll the ball a couple of feet. When Bosco picks it up:
1. Give the command, "bring."
2. Motion him toward you with your hand
3. Pull him to you.
Praise him and pet him just for coming to you, then order him to release the ball to you. If he does, praise him and pet him again -- bringing it and dropping it are two separate acts -- and roll the ball again immediately.
If he does not release it, order him to "drop," and back up the order by forcing his jaws open and taking the ball. Scold him if you have to, because this is an order that must be obeyed and is used for much more than playing ball. Once he drops it, pet him and praise him and roll the ball again. Repeat the exercise a few times and take a break, but repeat it throughout the day and evening, never too long at one time.
As soon as he brings the ball back on his own, take the exercise out to the back yard. Use a long leash and roll the ball 10 or 12 feet. All the steps are the same, but you slowly work up to a longer distance.
It won't take long for Bosco to realize how the game works and he will start returning to you without the pull on the lead. Love on him and show enthusiasm as you tell him how proud you are each time he does.
Now try it without a leash. He will quickly realize that it is the same game and he will be bringing it back as fast as he can.
It is OK to let him prance around and show off with the ball a little before you tell him to drop it. After all, he is proud of what he has learned.
You can even allow him to play a little tug-of-war now and then, but once you say "drop," he has to respond instantly.
It is an important command because now you can use it any time he picks up a foreign object or decides to eat something he finds. It can be a lifesaver.
If he backslides, go back to the long lead and practice. Once he has mastered part 2, drop me an e-mail and we will begin work on part 3, polishing exercises so you and Bosco will enjoy even more fun.
Send questions for The Old Trainer to theoldtrainer711@yahoo.com.
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