Border Collie - that dog won't fetch!

[Randythompson]

I have a Border Collie (Harley). She is very playful and spirited. Loves to run and jump and play games. However, for the life of me, I can't get her to fetch/retrieve. This is supposed to be such a natural instinct for this breed but I'm wondering what do I need to do on my part to get her to participate. She will get excited and run after the Frisbee or Ball but she want try to catch it or grab it once it hits the ground. Needless to say she never brings it back.

I do more retrieving than she does,

Help!!

thanks

[DogExpert]

This is quite a common problem with dogs, especially with my dog. Well it may take some time to teach your dog this but it's worth it. Put your dog on their lead and throw the frisby/ball for him (you need to have a lead which extends its length). When he goes and picks the ball up give him a treat for it, now try pulling him back on the lead when he has the ball in his mouth and say 'bring it back' or a similar phrase. This should work after alot of practicing, please tell me how it goes.

[PixelQ]

Remember to call your dog back in a positive tone. When he brings it back give him lots of praise and give a release word, like "drop it". This worked for me.

Keep practicing each day. Make the game fun.

[DogExpert]

Yes praise works but treats are better, remember to give her alot of them and the process will be quicker.

[Randythompson]

DogExpert -

I think I was a little too naive in thinking that, since this was supposed to be such a "natural" thing for the dog to pick, I wouldn't have to do much work. BOY WAS I WRONG!! I will say though, so far Harley has taught me how to fetch pretty doggone good.

I'll keep at it and let you know of my progress.

Thank you all for your help,

Randy

[DogExpert]

Sometime (hopefully) she'll learn that playing fetch properly is good fun. Fingers crossed for her progress to be good, yes and do keep me updated. Thankyou. [img]smile.gif[/img]