Dog Training: You Do Not Retrieve

Retrieving is a great exercise for the dog. It gives the dog a chance to run and elevate its cardio respiratory rate, which is good for maintaining health and a good weight. However, it is the dog who should be retrieving… and not you. Does your dog run after the tennis ball and almost bring it back to you? Is the tennis ball dropped a few feet away from you? Well, the dog thinks that it is your turn to retrieve.

Don’t do it.

You do not retrieve. The tennis ball should be delivered to hand. Otherwise, the dog is asking you to retrieve too. - Yes, your cardio respiratory rate needs to be increased and you could shed a bit of weight. However, don’t retrieve for your dog. It simply undermines your leadership. You are the one that is supposed to be issuing the requests. You do not want to be the one who obeys the dog’s request.

Catherine Forsythe
Director of Operations
FlyingHamster: http://flyinghamster.com/

Tags: dog training, retrieving, pack leadership, exercise