TEACH
If your dog has mastered the "tug" game and the "bring it" command, then teaching him to fetch will be easy. Fetch comes naturally to some dogs, and to others it is a moderately easy trick to teach. Once your dog learns Fetch, he will enjoy doing it not only for treats, but simply because it's just a fun game. Follow the steps carefully with your dog, and soon you will have another fun game to play with him.
"Practice fetching different objects and at greater distances. Be generous with praise and click and treat when he performs well."
STEPS
Step One: Start by playing tug. Say "take it" when you your dog takes the rope and "give" when you want him to release the rope.
Step Two: Have your dog "give" the rope and toss it a few feet away. Say, "take it." Click treat when he picks up the rope.
Step Three: Repeat step two, this time getting him to bring it to you. Say "Give" and click and treat.
TEACHING TROUBLE
My dog has learned to fetch, but he always brings it back slowly. How can I get him to think of it as a game?
Three things: The first thing is to use great rewards. Yummy snacks, great praising, a nice walk...All these 'treats' are good to reinforce the dog's behavior. The second thing is your enthusiasm. If you're not at all excited about the game, how do you expect your dog to be? Go all out; be silly. If your dog sees you enjoying it, chances are he will enjoy it, too. The third thing is time. The more you reinforce this trick, the more your dog will learn to appreciate it! Keep positive and practice it several times per day. After a while, he will learn to love fetch and look forward to playing it every day.
