[ECUHorton23]

Hi all! I have a 7 month old black lab that I am trying to teach to fetch on a consistent basis. Right now when I take him out to a field near my home, he will successfully fetch the tennis ball the first 4 or 5 times but after that he will start running in another direction after he fetches the ball...Any suggestions on how I can fix this? I have a small back yard so it's really important that I give him some exercise in this field, but I am worried it could put him in danger if he runs off each time.

 

[momtolabs]

He may just not like Tennis balls. Have you tried other toys? My black lab will only play with stuffed toys; occasionally a tennis ball. Is there any place near you where you can take him swimming? Any place you can take him to play with other dogs? he doesn't have to fetch to get energy out, there are a lot of other things you can do.

 

[Nev Allen]

Combine the fetch with swimming by throwing the ball into a dam. A 10 minute swim is equal to a 5km walk.

 

[titiaamor]

I'd like to hear mroe tips about teaching fetch- I don't even know where to start.

 

[Pawzk9]

I'd like to hear mroe tips about teaching fetch- I don't even know where to start.

Two tennis balls. While he is thinking about running with the first one, you play with and be excited about the second one and only throw it when he drops the first one. Incrementally only click and throw as he brings the ball closer. Plan B: Stop while he is doing it right. My guess is he is getting higher with every throw, and reaches the point where he can no longer play "your" game.