Aliases: get it, bring it
Prerequisites: Drop It
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Training · Tricks · intermediate
Fetch
Dog chases an object, picks it up, returns to handler, and releases cleanly.
Age suitability: From about 4 months with short sessions.
Details
Why dogs take to it: Fetch is a trained behavior chain; chase is natural, return and release need deliberate reinforcement.
Breed tendencies: Retrievers, spaniels, and poodles often chain faster; scenthounds and guardians may need stronger return shaping.
Physical suitability: Avoid repetitive hard-surface retrieves and heat-heavy sessions for brachycephalic dogs.
Supplies: preferred toy, treats, enclosed space
Verbal cues: fetch, get it, bring it
Hand signal: Point to thrown object.
Fun fact or history: Gundog breeds were historically selected for reliable retrieve-and-return sequences.
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