Can You Teach My Dog To Fetch?

It’s a question we get often, and the answer might surprise you.

Yes, we teach dogs to love playing fetch all the time! But here’s what many dog owners don’t realize: while almost every dog loves to chase, not all dogs are equally enthusiastic about the “bring it back” part. It’s like asking why some kids love soccer while others prefer art class – dogs have individual preferences too.

The Chase vs. The Return

Think about it from your dog’s perspective. Chasing that ball? Pure instinct and joy. It triggers their prey drive, gets their blood pumping, and feels completely natural. But bringing it back to you? That’s a learned behavior that goes against their instinct to keep their “prize.”

We’ve had great success teaching dogs that returning the ball is actually the best part of the game – it’s what keeps the fun going! Most dogs quickly learn that bringing the ball back means another thrilling chase is coming. But occasionally, we meet a dog who looks at us like we’re crazy for suggesting they give up their hard-won tennis ball.

Finding Your Dog’s Perfect Game

Here’s the beautiful truth: if your dog isn’t into fetch, they’re not broken or stubborn. They just have different interests! Our job as teachers is to discover what game absolutely lights up YOUR specific dog.

1. Some dogs go wild for tug-of-war – that back-and-forth battle that lets them use their strength and determination. 
2. Others become obsessed with chasing a spring pole, diving for the mouse-like toy is really exciting. 
3. We’ve seen dogs who prefer hide-and-seek with toys, puzzle games that challenge their minds, or even just playing keep-away.

The Secret Training Weapon

Once we find your dog’s favorite game, something magical happens. That game becomes our secret training weapon. We use it to build an incredible bond between you and your dog, burn off excess energy in a positive way, and here’s the sneaky part – we weave obedience training so seamlessly into playtime that your dog has no idea they’re learning.

Imagine your dog sitting perfectly still, eyes locked on you with laser focus, waiting for you to release them to their favorite game. That’s impulse control. Picture them dropping their toy instantly when you say “drop it” because they know it means the game continues. That’s obedience. Watch them come racing back to you at full speed when called because you’re the source of all the fun. That’s recall.

Every Dog Has Their Thing

We believe every dog has that special activity that makes their eyes sparkle with excitement. Maybe it’s fetch, maybe it’s not. Our job is to be detectives, working with you to uncover what makes your individual dog tick.

Some dogs are natural athletes who need physical challenges. Others are problem-solvers who crave mental stimulation. Some are social butterflies who just want interactive play with their humans. There’s no wrong answer – there’s only discovering what’s right for your dog.

Making Training Feel Like Play

When we match the training to what naturally motivates your dog, everything changes. Suddenly, “training time” becomes the highlight of their day. They’re not just learning commands; they’re playing their favorite game with their favorite person. That’s when real learning happens – when your dog is having so much fun they forget they’re being trained. And you forget you’re training too!

So if your dog isn’t fetching like the dogs in the park or on Instagram, don’t worry. They might just be waiting for you to discover their special game. And once you do? That’s when the magic happens.

Ready to discover what makes your dog light up? Book a free evaluation session with our teachers at TWP. We’ll help you unlock your dog’s unique play style and turn it into your secret training superpower.

Your friend with treat-filled pockets,

Ryan