Retrieve
Retrieve is the taking of an object, carrying it and giving it up. Your dog is now getting the toy and picking it up, now let’s get him/her to bring it back.
Give the toy a toss and “Go.., Get it!” Once your dog has the toy/disc in his/her mouth call him/her and move in the opposite direction. Some dogs will follow you, and when they get to you praise the daylights out of them! Lots of praise! Add the “Bring it” command as your dog is returning to you reliably.
If your dog runs from you after retrieving the Frisbee/toy DO NOT chase him/her and start a game of “keep away”. (This is where a solid recall is handy.) You may want to attach a 20-30Ft lead to your dog. Toss the toy, let the lead drag on the ground, as soon as your dog gets the toy/disc, take the lead and call him/her back. Moving backwards calling your dog. Use a very excited voice. If he/she doesn't’ budge, give a small tug on the lead, a suggestion to move this way. Continue calling and a small tug until the dog is to you, PRAISE! If you want your dog to repeat a behavior you gotta praise the daylights out of them! Also I have found with really high drive dogs that don't return, they will return the disc if they want the game to continue! I can't play till you bring me the toy! And they catch on quick!
Let them hold onto the toy at this stage, while you praise. Gently remove from mouth with no command and toss again. It is important to go step by step. First we built up the chase drive, then we taught “get it” and now we did “bring it” Next we’ll discuss the “drop” command.
Then put it all together!
Drop
A reliable “Drop!” command is very important to any canines well being. “Drop” can be for toys, your shoes, trash and harmful items.
DO NOT chase your dog when he/she has something you want dropped. It will only turn into a game of keep away. Try turning your back and walking the other direction. This will often make the dog realize that play time is over if he/she will not drop the toy/Frisbee back to you. Or sit down and wait him/her out. Playing is much more fun than sitting. He’ll most likely come over to see you are doing, drop the toy so he can sniff or lick you. At that point, PRAISE!
~Or try having two toys of the same, or two discs. When your dog returns with the first toy, pull out the other one, ready to toss but not until he drops the first one, act like the second one is way more exciting than the first. Praise!
~Or use treats. When your dog returns to you, have a treat ready, give the “Drop” command, show him/her the treat. Most dogs will drop anything they have to eat a treat! Praise continue your game of fetch. Add the “Drop” command when he’s doing it consistently.
Now you have it! The basic fetch and release. Now let’s add a disc!
Retrieve-n-Drop
Adding The Disc Before throwing for your dog, learn the proper way to handle the disc with a human friend. This is a tremendous help when your dog is learning to catch it. A dog can only catch a disc that is thrown "catch-able" !! Remember you are half the team!
Never give the disc to your dog to play with on his own. He can chew it up & swallow harmful pieces. Disc Doggin is a team sport, your dog should only get to play with the disc with you.
To get your dog interested in the Frisbee.... If your dog has never seen a disc they may not realize that this peice of plastic is a toy! Use it as a food disc for a couple days. Then start playing with your dog, moving it back and forth on the floor in front of him/her. Encourage the chase and the get it. If you’ve got a good fetch down you can start rollers.
Rollers are where you roll the disc on its side, on the ground. On the edge of the disc. This will entice your dog to chase it and get a feel for grabbing the disc while in motion. Or slide it across the floor. Don’t expect the pup to catch the disc in the air, just teach him to retrieve it from a slide or roller. Once your pup is returning the disc, the next step is to get them to catch it in the air.
