Get Your Dog To Bring Back That Ball

My dogs love to fetch, but they didn't always return the toy. One of my dogs used to sneak off to destroy her ball by chewing.

If your dog won't return a ball or toy during fetch, try the following tip:

1. Put a towel or mat near you and treat your dog for dropping the ball on the towel.

2. As soon as he starts getting that right, treat every other time, then every third time, then randomly. If your dog stops getting it right, return to the previous stage until he's got it down.

3. When your dog starts to consistently drop the ball on the towel, remove the towel and treat randomly for returning the ball.

4. Eventually phase out the random treats, and you will be able to enjoy a nice game of fetch without having to chase down the ball yourself.