Whether your dog has been playing fetch for years or if this is his first time, the following training tips from professional dog trainer, Nichole Ellis, will help your dog learn how to play with the iFetch in no time at all.

  • When teaching your dog how to play fetch, make sure you train near the iFetch so that your dog can connect the dots between fetch and the iFetch.
  • Train with the iFetch at most three times a day and only for ten minutes at a time. That way fetch stays fun and doesn’t become fetch bootcamp.
  • If you feel like your dog is getting frustrated and is unable to get the ball into the iFetch , then just work on reinforcing any behavior toward the iFetch and make sure your dog gets rewarded.
  • If your dog attempts to get the reward via other behaviors (e.g. rolling over, jumping up, shaking paws, etc.), it’s important that you NOT reward these behaviors.
  • If your dog is cautious around the iFetch at first, that’s okay. The iFetch is new and different and he’s probably not sure what it is.  You can start by rewarding him for just going near the iFetch. This way he learns that the iFetch is just another part of the house. With a little time, you can use treats to bring him closer to the iFetch, teaching him to drop the ball as close to the iFetch as possible. After a few training sessions (results may vary) your dog will learn to trust the iFetch and then it will be playtime.