Throw and catch games are a great way to keep your dog fit and strengthen your relationship with him at the same time. Many dogs are naturally gifted at chasing something thrown at them, but they may not always be good at carrying and returning the object. Teaching your dog how to solve a throw and catch game will help create a more enjoyable game for you and your dog.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Teaching the Dog to Take Off His Toys
Step 1. Use the “Release” command by preparing a snack
Your dog may be good at catching and returning toys to you, but doesn't know he has to let go. To teach him how to remove a toy, hold the treat in one hand. With your dog sitting or standing in front of you, start shaking his favorite toy in your other hand until he's interested (by wagging his tail, for example). As you shake this toy, say the command “Take it.” Once he is interested and you say the command, let him take the toy from your hand using his mouth.
- After a few seconds, say another verbal command – “Let go” – to get him to let go of the toy.
- The dog probably won't let go of the toy as soon as he holds it in his mouth (at least this won't happen at first). This is why you need a snack. Hold the snack close to his nose. After he releases the toy, immediately give the snack to him as a gift.
Step 2. Use the “Release” command without the snack
Put the snack in your shirt pocket. When he bites the toy with his mouth, place your hand in front of his nose (as if you were holding a snack in your hand) and say the command “Let go”. When he releases his toy, give him a treat as a reward.
Eventually, your dog will be able to remove the toy just by following your verbal commands
Step 3. Increase the amount of time the dog spends holding the toy in his mouth
Gradually increase the time required for the dog to hold the toy before you give the "Let go" command. The longer he holds the toy in his mouth, the easier it will be for you to teach the next stages of the game of throw and catch. Increase the time by a few seconds each time you practice.
- If he drops the toy before you tell him to, start again by shortening his mandatory time period.
- Remember, reward him every time he releases a toy by following your instructions.
- Practice the “Let go” command daily until your dog gets used to it and gets the hang of it. This part may take longer if he is reluctant to let go of the toy he has in his mouth. Practice at short intervals (5 to 15 minutes), several times a day.
Method 2 of 2: Teaching the Dog to Return His Toys to You
Step 1. Play a game of 'Change of Bait' with your dog
If you notice that your dog is chasing a toy but isn't bringing it back to you, try playing a game of catch and hold with two of his favorite toys. To play the game 'Current Bait', toss the first toy. When he catches this toy, call him to distract him. Once he starts to turn towards you, toss the second toy in the opposite direction of the first toy. He may let go of the first toy in pursuit of the second.
- When he chases the second toy, run and grab the first one. Call the dog's name and repeat the process. Your dog may think of you as a fun game of chase, but you're actually teaching him to come back to you.
- After doing this a few times, throw in your dog's first toy again. Call her name, but don't rush to throw a second toy. When he approaches you with the first toy he has in his mouth, say the command “Let go” and show him the second toy. When he drops the first toy, throw the second toy. When he chases this second toy, take his first toy and repeat the whole process of playing this game.
- Eventually, your dog will learn to return the toy to you after you throw it, without having to use a second toy.
Step 2. Play a game of 'Catch Me If You Can' with your dog
This is another game you can teach your dog to get him to return his toys to you. Attach a rope or rein to the toy and toss the toy. If your dog catches him but doesn't bring him back, pull the leash or harness and start running in the opposite direction. Chances are the dog will start chasing you with a toy in his mouth. Give him a snack if this is what he does.
- If your dog lets go of the toy and doesn't chase it, shake the leash or bridle harder and start running. In the end, he will try to chase and catch the toy. Give him a treat when he approaches you with the toy.
- After a few weeks, your dog will learn that he must return his toy to you after you throw it at him.
Step 3. Teach your dog to bring the toy closer to you
If your dog tends to take a toy off before returning it to you, immediately stand up and say "Bring it here" when it reaches the location where it usually releases the toy. Swing your arms to signal that he should follow you, then start walking away from him. When he follows you and reaches where you were originally standing, say “Let go” and walk back toward him to pick up his toy.
It may take a few weeks for your dog to understand the "Bring it here" command, so be patient
Tips
- There are many reasons why a dog may not want to play catch and may not be very good at it. For example, he may have health problems such as arthritis, which makes it difficult for him to run back and forth. He may also consider the obligation to return and release his toys as a punishment, or just think that the game of throwing and catching is not as fun as other games.
- Short training sessions will keep you and your dog strong and prevent you from feeling frustrated with the training process.
- In addition to treats and verbal praise, you can also give your dog extra playtime as a treat. Every dog is different, so determine what type of reward works best for your dog and use it throughout the training process.
- You can also teach your dog to catch a variety of other objects, such as newspapers.
- Be patient. Not all dogs are ready to catch things, and even those who are ready will usually still need a little help with one step.
- Training a dog to catch things takes time. Try practicing several times a day. Be prepared to spend a few days to a week at each step.
