Thank you for signing up for our newsletter.   Here are the directions and videos to help you start the place command this weekend.

The video examples may not go over these exact procedures.  In two videos, I am using two balls for example.   You don't need to do that, but it does start to build a good flow and pattern for your dog or puppy.   

DIRECTIONS FOR STARTING THE FETCH AND RETRIEVE:

Equipment:  15' long line
Training Collar
Ball (only to be used for this training session and not left out with puppy's other toys)


***Remember only do this when your puppy is up for this and ready to play.  Best not to do after a long day or run.  Probably a first thing sort of training session.

STEP 1:  Have an awake puppy
STEP 2:  Throw the ball say "get it"..
STEP 3:  (Super important for the bringing back) Wait until your puppy latches onto the ball before saying "let's go".   DO NOT say "good boy" or "let's go" until they have a grip on the ball.

NOTE:   If they don't go after the ball, first make sure you have not picked out a time the puppy is tired or has already trained enough.  Remember you want to do this when the puppy is fresh and ready to go.  If they are, but something has just distracted them or inhibited them, go towards the ball yourself with the puppy.  They will normally go and grip it after this.

STEP 4:   Make sure your dog comes towards you.   If they drop the ball along the way, it's not big deal.   It's okay, most every dog eventually brings back the ball because they realize you are going to throw it again.   However, if they do bring back the ball, make a big deal of it, and throw it immediately again.
STEP 4A:  Now it is time to get the ball (sometimes this requires stepping on the leash to stop the puppy near you first).  You don't want to make a big deal of it where the dog is inhibited.    If they don't drop it, I just pet the dog beside me and hang out and wait for them to drop the ball.  So the point is, you don't want the puppy to get the idea that he is going to be forced to give up the ball with undue force at this time, as in the beginning you want the puppy to be "up" for the game.

STEP 5:  Repeat for 3-5 minutes only at first.  If you try for five and your puppy was petering out, then make the next training session shorter.

This week is just about building their excitement and drive for the game.

Keep the game short with them wanting more at the end.  This allows for you to build up their time playing it.  Otherwise they remember they were bored of the game, and it is not so special and exciting.