How can I make my Aussie fetch the ball?? -plz help-?

Question

Well I got this Aussie from a rescue group, and they claimed he liked fetch. So I got lots of toys for him including one of thoes ball sticks, where you don't have to touch the ball with your hands.

And when I got home I threw the ball, he goes after it a little ways then comes back to me, and other times he goes all the way but just stares at the ball. I was hoping he would fetch, but he doesn't.

Is there any way where I could teach him to pick up the ball and bring it back to me? (fetch)

Also don't Aussie's love to fetch balls?

Thanks for reading my question, and thanks for all your help,

B

Answer 1

put a little peanut butter on the ball.

Answer 2

Try throwing it shorter distances or just drop it in front of him and when he picks it up reward him with a treat.

After you get him to pickup you can gradually start throwing it farther.  

Find another dog that knows how to fetch and he'll learn from watching that dog.

Answer 3

Step1   Throw the first ball and let your dog go after it. When your      dog   starts to come towards you, ask your dog to "drop it."

Step2   If your dog does not drop the ball, stop paying any attention to your dog and take out the second ball.

Step3   Start to have fun with the second ball. Toss it up in the air. Act like you're having a great time with the second ball. Keep doing this until your dog looks at you. If you've done this step correctly, your dog will drop the ball that he/she has and look up at the one you have.

Step4   As soon as your dog drops his/her ball, show the ball you're holding to your dog. As soon as your dog focuses on the ball that you're holding, throw it.

Step5   Repeat the process when your dog comes back to you. Within a short period of time, you'll have your dog retrieving for you.

Tips & Warnings

Always make sure that you have two balls with you.



Get your dog interested in the second ball when they come back to you.



The better you are at acting like you're having a great time with the second ball, the faster your dog will drop the ball he/she has.



Don't throw your ball until your dog has dropped the ball he/she has.



End the retrieving game before your dog gets bored with it. This way the next time you play fetch, your dog will be very excited about it.

Answer 4

He might not know what the heck the stick ball is for.

Have you tried him with other things besides balls?  Sticks, toys, frisbees etc?

Contact your rep from the rescue group (or the previous owners if that is an option) and ask specifically what the dog likes to fetch.  He may have had a very specific favorite toy.

We're adopting an Aussie and picking him up this weekend!  I can't wait!