Fetch to hand for dogs: how to play
Teach your dog to put the toy right into your hand. Fewer stand-offs, cleaner fetch, and a useful skill.
- Time
- 5 min
- Energy
- Medium
- Space
- A room
You'll need
- favourite fetch toy
- treats
Set up
Your dog chases and picks up a toy. Start in a hallway.
How to play
Toss the toy a short way.
As your dog comes back, hold your hand flat just below their chin.
If the toy lands in or near your hand, say "Yes" and reward with a treat or the next throw.
Only reward drops closer and closer to your hand.
Add a word, like "Hand", as your dog starts to deliver.
Take it outdoors once it's reliable inside.
House rules
- Don't grab or pull the toy from your dog's mouth.
- Next throw is the main reward.
- Make it easier
- Sit on the floor with your hand right by your knee in a narrow hallway.
- Make it harder
- Stand up, then ask for delivery from longer throws.
Signs it's having fun
Your dog pushes the toy into your hand and backs up ready.
Stop if you see
Your dog loses interest or starts keep-away; go back to two-ball fetch.
Safety
Safety- Use a toy too big to swallow.
- Breaks between throws on warm days.
Sources
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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