A puppy that runs to retrieve objects is not only getting physical exercise – he is also getting mental stimulation. Playing fetch and retrieve is a chance for your dog to get some exercise as well as practice his instinctive hunting skills. And throwing and fetching objects can also keep children happy for quite some time!
Before you are able to train your dog to run and fetch objects, you must first train him to hold objects in its mouth. Don’t use squeaky toys for this – as your dog will then want to chew them! While training your puppy to hold things in its mouth, reward with verbal and physical praise, rather than treats.
You can begin training your puppy to fetch things and bring them back to you, once you have taught him how to hold things. Trainers advise that the ideal age to teach a puppy to hold and fetch things is at around six to eight weeks old.
Most
puppies will learn this fairly easily and quickly, although as with other aspects of training, it depends on the animal and how much time you can devote to it. German shepherds are not generally selectively bred for retrieving, although they can easily be trained.
As with other aspects of training, things may not always go smoothly. If your puppy is reluctant to fetch, try to get him excited by throwing a squeaky toy and running with it yourself. If your dog seems reluctant to bring the object back to you, you may have to continue working on the command to come.
If your puppy runs to the object but doesn’t pick it up, you may need more lessons on the command to hold. And the same applies if he picks it up but then continually drops it while bringing it back – make sure your puppy is proficient at holding objects before you begin fetch and retrieve training. It’s an easy thing to overlook - don’t give your puppy items to retrieve and hold that are too big to comfortably fit in his jaws.
Your puppy may bring the retrieved object some of the way back to you – but doesn’t quite understand to bring it to you. One solution to this is to say “no” firmly, then retrieve the object yourself and bring it the rest of the way back. And some dog owners say that if your puppy watches other dogs fetch and retrieve, he will get the idea.
Training your puppy to fetch and retrieve can give you and your puppy hours of fun – but don’t force it. Some dogs just seem to enjoy it more than others.