[Britster]

I had to teach Jackson to fetch. It wasn't really something that came natural to him. I wouldn't say he's a fetching freak or anything but he does enjoy it and burns off some energy. He does it for about 10-15 minutes and then he's kind of done with it. He's even been playing frisbee.

Anyways what I did was take him outside on a 50ft rope line and I'd get him REALLY excited! Like, I'd really act like an idiot. I'd throw the ball/toy/etc and run for it and show him how to do it and act all excited. He started going to get it himself and if he didn't bring it back all the way, I'd give a slight tug on the leash as a reminder. If he did not grab the toy on the way back, I'd kind of 'make' him. Like I didn't keep going to pick it up from wherever he dropped it, I just kept reminding him to bring it all the way.

I did use treats in the beginning so I'd give him a treat when he'd bring it back BUT I wanted it to be a game more than a 'trick' or a 'command' so I used playing as the reinforcer. So I'd let him tug on the frisbee or chew on it for a few seconds, etc. Don't try to teach it as a trick, it's gotta be a FUN game for both you and the dog, so be sure to show your excitement when he brings it back!