I kind of had to teach Jackson this, too.
I would put him on a long 50 ft line, throw the ball all the way out, and if he didn't keep coming all the way, I'd just give a gentle tug on the leash... I kept treats in my pocket so we did the trade off, I'd give him a treat every time he brought the ball all the way back to me. When he didn't get the ball, I would just wait. I wouldn't go pick it up for him, I'd wait for him to pick it up, then give him the treat.
Now Jackson loves to fetch! He will still only do it indoors or in our backyard though. He has no interest when we go to the dog park for example. But oh well it's a great way to drain energy at home! Now I just have 3 tennis balls (I get the Air Squeakers from Kong, he likes things that squeak) and I throw one, he brings one back, then we trade and I throw the other, etc. |