How can I get my dog to catch the treat when I throw one for her?

Question

When I throw a treat at my dog she just stares at it and lets it hit her right in the face. She doesn't even try to get it until it hits the ground. My old foster dog used to catch it no problem. So how can I teach her to catch it or at least try?

Answer 1

Try using some food that she likes. When you throw it and she goes after it say fetch or another word. Then after she catches it rewars her or pet her. Thios can also work for toys or something she likes.

Answer 2

I agree with Weim Luver.  This is the way we always taught it.  The popcorn is much lighter in weight than a dog treat.  Make sure you show the dog the popcorn and throw it pretty high.  Because it is so light, it takes longer to hit the ground, giving your dog a longer time to react and catch it.

Answer 3

I taught my dog to catch treat by throwing popcorn (no butter) and finally he started catching them. Now he can catch any thing.

Answer 4

My dog did that as well. Just find a treat she likes and throw it gently right in front of her (so she doesn't have to do any fancy moves to grab it.) If she doesn't catch it, she doesn't get the treat.

This does not mean don't give her the treat for performing another behavior/trick! If you tell her to do something and she does it, then she gets the treat. But if you don't give any direction and throw it, she has to catch it or no treat - eventually you can label the behavior "Catch" or something and continue on. My dog learned quick lol.

Answer 5

I think its something some dogs just do. My last dog couldnt catch a treat for anything. Now, I have a Labrador and she just naturally started doing it.

Answer 6

Some dogs never learn to catch a treat, or a toy, or anything else.  I've had dogs that were good at catching, and some who - like your dog - just let things hit them in the face.  I've begun to wonder whether the ones who are good at catching have better depth perception than the non-catchers.  

Answer 7

It's really a natural thing, but try to get her excited about the treat by talking in a high pitched voice, dangling the treat by her face, and just acted excited about it.