Dog Training Tip: Teaching Fetch Remotely

Today’s dog training tip involves the progression of how to teach a dog to fetch a static object while the dog is at a distance from the handler (remotely).

Following six month old puppy ‘Phender’ through the steps of how to pick up an object (in today’s case a tennis ball is used) that is stationary while the dog is at a distance from the handler. The process begins by checking on the necessary pre-requisites that the dog needs.

1. He should already be familiar with a place board
2. He should be able to stop on that board during a recall

Training this exercise using a Sit Means Sit dog training collar is really not all that different than training it without, however the approach using the dog training collar will involve the dog requiring an understanding of the language of the dog collar in relation to picking up a moving object, as well as going to and stopping on a board with the dog collar.

Check out the dog training video below to see the progression of teaching a dog to pick up an object at a distance.

1. The first step is to ensure that the dog understands how to sit on the place from a recall remotely (at a distance from the handler).
2. We also check to make sure the dog can do the same exercise into a down position
3. Next, we place the retrieve object onto the place board and call the dog to the board to pick up the object. We check to see if the dog can stop on the place while they do this, they also should be able to keep moving over the place while the pick up the object.
4. The fourth step is to integrate the ‘Sit’ command into the exercise after the dog has picked up the object. We also proof this by repeating the exercise using a ‘down’.
5. The fifth step is to begin having the dog begin each exercise while he is stationary on the place board, with the object near the dog on the box. This is one of the hardest steps to work through
6. The final steps involve moving the object all around the dog and having him pick up the object on command from any spot around his body. This is done from both a sit and down position to enhance the dog’s understanding of the exercise.

It is very valuable to proof this exercise from a variety of angles having the dog pick up a variety of objects. The size, weight, and texture among many other things will affect the dog’s desire to pick up the object. Obviously a tennis ball is a good start for a puppy. It is also valuable to perform this exercise on a variety of place objects including having the dog do this inside a kennel or dog crate.