What I believe are the essential tools to teach a dog to fetch.
Labrador Retriever Training Tools
I have taught multiple dogs how to correctly fetch everything from rolled up socks, a ball, a bumper, a duck, and even a beer. For Labrador retrievers, this is a very natural skill for them. They want to pick things up and bring them to you. Fetch in the most basic form is to go for and bring back something or someone to something. Here we are specifically talking about a dog going for what it's told and bringing it back.
These are the tools that I like to use to build the foundation of fetch.
Tools of the Trade
bumper
long check cord
place board
Bumper
This could honestly be a tennis ball as well. I like to use a bumper because it helps build the foundation of a proper hold. A well breed dog will usually have a very natural hold and want to pick that bumper up and bring it back. There are all kinds of bumpers. I will pick one that is appropriate in size for the dog and start with that. I like to keep early fetch sessions short and fun, typically only tossing the bumper for the dog a maximum of three times. I have found it best to make sure to quit while the dog is still very enthusiastic and wants to continue playing the fetch game.
In my early training days I would get impatient with a young dog that was working through the game of fetch. Sometimes that would cause more problems down the road in training. The more patient I have become over the years the better results I am seeing as I train new dogs fetch. Honestly, the older and more patient I get the more I see better results from almost everything in life.
Long Check Cord
A long check cord, 15-30 feet, is a must for the beginning of fetch. The one thing that I really want to prevent with a young dog early is them picking up a bumper and running around playing keep away. I know that will cause almost any retriever handler some serious frustration, especially if they are new. The purpose of the check cord is to be able to reel the dog in once they pick up the bumper. I still try to give the dog some space to try and do this on their own but I do not want them running around without coming back to me.
I have found that either a flat collar or a slip lead style collar will work. As the dog gets better and progresses in their ability I like to switch to the slip collar. I like to be able to put a little pressure on the "sit" command if needed as the dog starts to get better. I will use the slip lead to give a slight tug up to bring the dog into the sit position for them to delivery the bumper to hand.
Place Board
I use a place board when teaching fetch to give the dog a clear picture of where I want them to bring the bumper back to. Having a black and white finishing point I believe really helps the dog along the way.
In the beginning I will use a place board that is very low to the ground. As the dog continues to progress I will switch to a dog stand like a MoMarch that is higher off the ground, causing the dog to jump to get on it. Any place that will work for this situation. I do recommend using one that is close to the ground in the beginning for younger dogs to make sure they do not drop the bumper while trying to jump onto a higher dog stand.
Wrapping Up
That's it! Those are the basic tools that I use to teach my dogs fetch; a bumper, a long check cord, and a place board. I also like to bring a big jug of patience if I am working with a young dog. I try to remember to keep it fun and not do so much that the dog gets tired and wants to quit.
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