Teaching Proper Fetch
Does your dog love to chase a ball, or do they run off with it once they’ve caught it? This can be fixed!
Creating a Reward Ball
Use a utility knife to cut a slit in a tennis ball.
Stuff some treats inside the ball so your dog sees them. If they tend to run off, attach a long line to the dog’s collar.
Enticing the Chase
Toss the ball and excitedly encourage your dog to chase it. Since they see treats inside, they’ll be more eager to fetch.
Bringing It Back
Crouch down, pat your legs, and call them back. They may want to keep the treat-ball for themselves, so the first recall can be challenging—but don’t give up.
Once you get the ball back, immediately squeeze out the treat and let the dog eat it.
Successful Retrieval
The first retrieval can be tough, but dogs soon learn they need to bring the ball back to get the treat out.
