Article • Designer Mixes

Teach Your Dog to Fetch

Shari Shidate Designer Mixes contributor

Fetch looks simple, but for a lot of dogs it is actually a chain of skills: notice the toy, pick it up, hold it, come back, and let go. As a veterinary assistant here in Frisco, I love fetch because it is one of the easiest ways to build healthy exercise, confidence, and a stronger bond. The secret is to teach it step by step, using rewards your dog truly cares about.

A happy mixed-breed dog trotting across a grassy backyard carrying a tennis ball in its mouth while a person kneels with an outstretched hand

Below is a science-informed, age-friendly plan you can use with puppies, adult dogs, and seniors. Go slowly, celebrate small wins, and stop sessions while your dog still wants more.

Before you start

Pick the right rewards

Dogs repeat what pays off. For many dogs, a tiny training treat works best. For others, praise, tug, or a squeaky toy is the jackpot. Use something your dog does not get all day long.

What “mark” means

A marker is a short sound or word (like “Yes” or a click) that tells your dog, “That right there earns a reward.” It helps your timing stay clear.

Choose the right fetch object

Puppies: soft fleece tug, small plush, or a lightweight ball that is too big to swallow.
Adults: rubber ball, bumper style toy, or a ball that is sized for your dog’s mouth.
Seniors: soft toy or low-bounce rubber ball to reduce joint impact.

Safety note: avoid sticks (splinters, mouth injuries) and anything small enough to be swallowed. If your dog is a super chewer, choose a durable rubber toy and supervise. Tennis balls are popular, but the felt can be abrasive on teeth for some dogs, and an undersized ball can be a choking risk. When in doubt, choose a smooth rubber ball and size up.

Session setup

Train in a hallway, fenced yard, or quiet room to limit distractions.
Keep sessions short: 3 to 8 minutes, 1 to 3 times per day.
Stop before your dog gets tired or frustrated.

If you are training outdoors, check ground temperature first. Hot pavement can burn paws fast, and dogs can overheat even in shade when humidity is high. In North Texas, I aim for early morning or evening play whenever possible.

A person sitting on a living room floor holding a soft dog toy while a young dog watches attentively

How to teach fetch

Step 1: Make the toy valuable

Hold the toy still. When your dog sniffs it, mark with “Yes” (or a clicker) and give a treat. Repeat until your dog happily moves toward the toy.

If your dog is hesitant, rub a tiny amount of xylitol-free peanut butter on a rubber toy, or use a toy with a gentle squeak. Always check the ingredient label (xylitol is toxic to dogs), and keep peanut butter minimal since it is calorie-dense and can be too rich for some dogs.
If your dog gets overexcited, keep your energy calm and reward quiet interest.

Step 2: Teach “take it”

Offer the toy close to your dog’s mouth and say “Take it.” The moment your dog puts their mouth on it, mark and reward.

Goal: your dog willingly grabs the toy, even for a second.

Step 3: Teach “hold”

Once your dog can “take it,” delay your marker for one second while they keep the toy in their mouth, then mark and treat. Gradually build to 2 or 3 seconds.

If the toy drops, simply reset and make it easier.
Keep your hands close to the toy so it feels supported.

Step 4: Teach “drop it”

Start with a trade. Say “Drop it,” pause for a beat, then hold a treat right in front of your dog’s nose. Most dogs will release the toy to take the treat. Mark the moment they let go, then reward.

As your dog improves, say “Drop it” first, wait briefly, then offer the treat only if needed.

Tip: Avoid prying the toy from your dog’s mouth. We want them to feel safe releasing items, not defensive. If your dog has shown resource guarding (freezing, growling, snapping), do not practice fetch or “drop it” games without guidance from your vet or a qualified force-free trainer.

Step 5: Add movement

Place the toy 1 to 2 feet away. Point and say “Take it.” When your dog picks it up, cheerfully step backward a couple of steps. Many dogs will follow you naturally. When they reach you, cue “Drop it,” then reward.

Try not to loom over your dog or reach toward their mouth as they approach. That can trigger keep-away.
If you need extra control outdoors, a long line (drag line) can help you guide safely without grabbing your dog.

A dog picking up a rubber ball from the floor in a quiet hallway with a person standing a few steps away

Step 6: Toss it a short distance

Now do a gentle toss, just a few feet. When your dog grabs the toy, use a happy cue like “Bring it!” and move backward to invite them in. When they reach you, cue “Drop it,” reward, then toss again.

Keep tosses low and short at first. Distance comes later.

Step 7: Build the fetch loop

When your dog understands the pattern, you can start rewarding after the drop, and then “reward” with the next throw. Many dogs find the throw itself reinforcing.

For treat-motivated dogs: treat every return, then gradually treat every other return.
For toy-motivated dogs: reward with a quick tug game, then throw again.

Fetch for puppies

Puppies often love chasing but do not naturally return. That is normal.

Use soft toys and keep throws very short.
Skip big jumps and hard stops. Developing joints need gentle play.
End early: 3 to 5 tosses can be plenty.
Teething check: if your puppy suddenly avoids toys, gums may be sore. Offer chilled rubber toys and keep fetch light.

A small puppy carrying a soft plush toy across a living room toward a seated person

Fetch for adult dogs

Adult dogs can usually handle longer sessions, but stamina varies by breed mix, fitness, and the weather. In Texas heat (and any hot, humid climate), keep fetch to early morning or evening, offer water breaks, and watch for overheating.

Use a cue like “All done” to end the game calmly.
Mix in obedience: ask for a sit before the next throw to prevent frantic grabbing.
Rotate toys to keep interest high.
Avoid busy dog parks for early training. Too many distractions can build bad habits fast.

Fetch for senior dogs

Seniors can absolutely play fetch, but we want it to feel good the next day.

Choose low-impact surfaces like grass or carpet, not slick floors.
Keep tosses short and avoid high leaps.
Warm up with a slow walk first.
Stop if you see limping, stiffness, heavy panting, or reluctance to pick up the toy.

If your senior loves the game but struggles with running, try “fetch to a mat” indoors: roll the toy slowly a few feet, reward the pickup and return, and keep it gentle. This also works well for small spaces or for anyone who cannot do big throws.

Common problems and fixes

Chases but will not bring it back

Use a hallway or fenced area.
Run backward and cheer when they pick the toy up.
Reward the return, not just the pickup.
Try two identical toys: show toy #2, and when your dog returns with toy #1, cue “Drop it,” then throw toy #2.

Grabs the toy and plays keep-away

Do not chase. Chasing is a reward.
Use a long line in the yard for gentle guidance.
Practice “drop it” and “trade” separately with high-value treats.

Will not pick the toy up

Try a different texture: fleece, rope, rubber, or a soft bumper.
Start with “take it” from your hand instead of the floor.
Reward tiny steps: sniffing, touching, then mouthing.

Drops it halfway back

Reward closer to you. Back up as they approach.
Train “hold” for 2 to 3 seconds before you add distance.
Use a slightly larger toy that is easier to carry.

Will not let go

Teach a reliable “drop it” with trades.
Keep treats ready and avoid tugging the toy out.
Pause the game if they clamp down and do not release. Calmly wait, then trade.

How much fetch is too much?

Fetch is fantastic exercise, but repetitive sprinting and hard stops can be tough on bodies. A good rule is to keep it short, structured, and varied.

Use soft tosses instead of long launching throws every time.
Mix in sniff breaks or simple cues like sit and touch.
Stop if your dog seems dizzy, collapses, pants heavily and cannot recover with a short rest, or coughs during or after intense play.

If coughing happens repeatedly, pause fetch and contact your veterinarian. It can be a sign your dog is pushing too hard, or it can point to an airway or heart issue that needs attention.

If you have a flat-faced breed mix (like Pug or Bulldog mixes), be extra cautious in heat and humidity and keep fetch low-intensity.

Sample 7-day plan

If you like a simple schedule, try this and adjust to your dog’s pace.

Days 1 to 2: “Toy is valuable” plus “take it” (5 minutes).
Days 3 to 4: Add “hold” and “drop it” (5 to 8 minutes).
Day 5: Micro-fetch in a hallway (5 minutes).
Day 6: Short tosses, reward returns (5 to 8 minutes).
Day 7: Build the loop, add “all done” (5 to 10 minutes).

Remember, there is no prize for rushing. A slow, happy fetch training process creates a dog who loves the game for life.

When to ask your vet

If your dog suddenly stops playing, cries out, limps, or seems sore after fetch, it is worth checking in with your veterinarian. Pain can look like “stubbornness,” especially with arthritis, dental issues, or soft tissue injuries. And if your dog guards toys or has a bite history, work with a qualified force-free trainer who can guide you safely.

Sources

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