Answer:
Start with a hungry dog, a few favorite possessions and a bag of treats. Bounce, squeak and act playful to initiate the game.

When the dog is in front of you, throw a prized possession a few feet away. If your dog turns, follows the throw with his/her eyes or steps toward the object, praise enthusiastically. (Think of the game - warmer, warmer, colder, colder to shape any new behavior.) Not every breed will retrieve or even chase a ball. Some breeds - such as retrievers - will retrieve an object and bring it to you with little or no instruction.

If your dog picks up the object - increase your praise and enthusiasm. If he/she brings it to you, do not take it away. That's a loss not a win for your canine student. Instead, give a back rub, praise or a treat and then throw it or another object. Start with very short sessions to keep the game fresh and interesting.

The goal is for your dog to learn how fun it is to chase an object and return it to you.

Remember, all learning is trial and error. Keep it fun!

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