Training Tips

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

Training Tips

  • 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.

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More Training Advice

Need more help training your dog to drop the ball into their iFetch? Try these tips.
Would you like to train your dog without having to use treats? Try these treatless solutions.
Having trouble getting your dog to pick-up or drop the ball at all? We can help.
Have a new iDig and looking for some tips to keep your dog engaged? You’ll dig these ideas.
Is your dog scared of the noise the iFetch makes? Here is how to make it less scary. Here is how to make it less scary.

Product Manuals

iFetch
iFetch Too
IFETCH FRENZY
iDig STAY
iDig GO

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Meet Our Trainer

Nicole Ellis, CPDT-KA

Nicole Ellis is a celebrity CPDT-KA dog trainer. Nicole always knew her destiny was to work with animals. She grew up riding horses, bonding with family pets and was always the fearless kid in the class who volunteered to hold the giant boa constrictor or pet the cheetah. She went on to study animal training with top trainers, learning to work with everything from exotics like bears and big cats, to household pets like dogs and cats.