How do you teach a small dog "fetch"?

Question

I have a small pomeranian. He loves playing with those little tennis balls but he will never return them. I tried putting a treat in the middle like I saw in a video but then he just plays with it like its a kong activity ball. I tried putting him on the leash but as soon as I start to pull him near me, he drops the ball. How do I get him to learn fetch?! He loves chasing balls but then runs away with them!

Answer 1

You stand in an area where he has to run back toward you after he retrieves the toy you throw. For example throw the toy toward a wall or fence. When your pup runs back toward you with the toy, let him see you drop a few bits of kibble at your feet. As soon as he drops the toy to get the treat, say the command "fetch".  Give praise. Repeat a number of times; conditioning usually takes a few sessions of about 7-10 reps each. For even better results work with the dog when he is fairly hungry. Soon you should be able to eliminate the treat but continue to reinforce with praise.

Answer 2

thats a tough one. my older dog who is three is just like that. she will chase the ball, bring it half way back and then run away. my 7 month old puppy on the other hand, will fetch for days!! i have tried and tried to get my older one to fetch, i gave up. now i just have fun letting the little one do it. i guess some dogs like it and some don't.