How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch

Do you know how to teach your dog to fetch? For some dogs, this playtime ritual comes naturally, but others need a little coaching. Today, we thought we’d share some of our best tips for how to teach your dog to fetch with the hope that this game will bring you and your fur kid hours of energetic fun!

 

How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch

Step #1 – Be Enthusiastic!

Your dog’s favorite part of life involves pleasing you. Before teaching her how to retrieve an item and bring it back to you, be sure that you are in a patient and enthusiastic mood. If she’s never done this before, it may seem awkward at first, but if she senses that you’re having a good time learning a new activity together, she’ll be doubly enthusiastic about doing her best to keep you in that happy state!

Step #2 – Use Your Dog’s Interest As a Learning Tool

To teach your dog how to fetch, it’s best to use an item that she’s actually interested in playing with. This might be a ball, a plush toy or even a slipper. As long as your dog is interested in chasing this item, the remaining steps should go a lot easier for you both.

Step #3 – Use the Same Command Word

With your dog at your side, toss the object of her affection several feet away while giving her a command word and encouraging her to follow the object. As far as words go, we like Fetch! But you may use any words you like…just be sure to use the same command each time you play this game so that she gets used to hearing it and eventually comes to understand what she is being asked to do.

Step #4 – Reward Your Pooch With Praise

Each time your fur buddy actually chases the item you’ve thrown, be enthusiastic in rewarding her with praise. Encourage her to pick the item up with her mouth and act genuinely excited each time she does.

Step #5 – Call Your Dog Toward You

While the item is still in your pooch’s mouth, call her to come toward you. Hold your hand out and beckon her with an excited tone in your voice. If she doesn’t get the hang of this the first few times, do not let your enthusiasm wane, but patiently continue to instruct her to head in your direction once she has retrieved an item.

Step #6 – Reward, Reward, Reward!!!

When your dog brings the item to you, be sure to reward her generously. You may do so with excited verbal praise, affection or even a treat, but be sure to shower her with loving energy so that she gets a clear message that she has made you happy.

Once your dog gets the hang of fetching an item and successfully bringing it to you, you can try other command words to train her to fetch other objects for you. Examples may include the newspaper, the remote control or other small objects that you may want to assign to her. Remember, that a lot of dogs really enjoy helping out and spending time with us, so just be patient with your little one as she learns the language and different cues associated with your commands.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If your dog likes to chase an item, but won’t return it to you, be patient and try focusing solely on teaching her to release the item to you first. Do this by keeping her on a leash and gently tossing the item within her reach without letting go of the leash. Allow her to pick the item up and offer your hand for her to release it to you. Whether she releases it into your hand or merely drops it at your feet, generously reward her for her effort and keep practicing!

• If your dog isn’t interested in letting the item go once she’s retrieved it, practice giving her a favored treat as a reward. Once she sees and smells the treat, she’ll drop the item in her mouth right away at which time be sure to reward her with praise and allow her to eat the treat. This works best if you practice just before mealtime when her appetite is in full effect!

Your Thoughts?

What do you think of our advice on how to teach your dog to fetch? Let us know if these tips work for you. And if you have others that you’d like to share with our readers, please be sure to add them below. Thanks for reading and remember to share this post with your social networks…just be sure to use the #FetchPetCare hashtag so that we can join you in conversation there!

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How to Find the Perfect Pet Sitter This Summer

Will you need a pet sitter in the coming months? Chances are that you definitely will. See, summer is one of the busiest times of year for most people. And this goes double for anyone in the service industry! From the local dry cleaner, to the local travel agency, any business that serves a regular or rotating customer base is going to be working very hard to keep everyone happy during the busy summer. So, while school is out and you’re planning a family vacay, who’s going to care for Rover while you’re away?

A Professional Pet Sitter Is Your Solution

Without proper planning, you can find yourself in quite a jam if you’re looking for a pet sitter on short notice over the summer. The neighbors are staying home for the holidays, but caring for your pet is an awful lot to ask them. After all, it is their holiday too!

The kennel…hey, that’s always an option, right? Well, yes, it is. But only if you’re fine with your pets being in an unfamiliar environment, with them being vulnerable to alpha pets and with your precious being in a crate for the majority of the day. Oh, and be sure you’re also ok with the risk of your fur baby contracting an airborne illness like kennel cough! And if you’ve called local kennels, then you’ve probably already discovered kennels that are merely one-person operations. Besides, with summer being as busy as it is, they’ve already been overbooked for weeks! Friends, what you need is a professional pet sitter!

Who Ya Gonna Call?

Remember when you went to that great adoption event over the Summer? And remember when you met those great folks from Fetch! Pet Care? It’s all coming back to you now, right? They even told you that one of the ways they ensure their client’s peace of mind is by having a large, licensed, bonded, and insured professional staff.

What a Relief, Right?

Finding a pet sitter through Fetch! Pet Care worked out perfectly! Not only were they able to provide you with the service you desperately needed, but they stepped up to the plate on such short notice, too! How relieved do you feel to know that you can always find a pet sitter during this busy summer season, because now you’re prepared with a qualified and professional service? Whether you’re booking summer dog walking or pet sitting services well in advance or at the last minute, it’s nice to know who to turn to, right?

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Fun Ways to Exercise With Your Dog

Working out doesn’t have to be a drag! Now that spring has sprung, it’s time to get out and explore the great outdoors while finding fun ways to exercise. And what could be more fun than exercising with your BFF? Of course, dog walking is one way to enjoy sunshine and longer days together, but there are a number of other beneficial and fun ways to exercise with your pet, too.

Let’s explore a few quality options right now, such as:

Jogging

If your dog has a lot of energy and loves action, introduce him to the joys of jogging. For dogs who’ve never done so before, it may take a little getting used to. But if you start slowly and jog at the same time each day, your bestie will eventually get the hang of things and you two can enjoy a great heart healthy daily workout together. For this exercise you may want to try a leash that fastens to your waist, but ONLY do so if your dog listens well enough to your commands and is not apt to cause harm or injury by pulling you too hard or too fast!

Swimming

Breeds like the Irish Setter, the Golden Retriever and the American Water Spaniel love being in water. If your dog enjoys the wetter side of life, then he’ll probably agree that this is one of the most fun ways to exercise with you and he’ll want to do it as often as possible!

Bike Riding

Dogs who are fit enough to endure a few miles of running will probably love bike riding alongside you this spring and summer. Like jogging, you may want to try a leash that fastens around your waist and that leaves your hands free to maneuver your bicycle, but only if your dog isn’t prone to pulling and obeys your commands pretty well. We also strongly advise that you only engage in this form of exercise with your pet on a designated bike path or on a terrain where you’re unlikely to encounter traffic from other vehicles.

Fetch!

Grab a tennis ball, a frisbee or your dog’s favorite chew toy and head on out for one of the most fun ways to exercise with your pet. Dogs that like to retrieve items will absolutely love this workout! For optimal results, make your fetch game challenging and rigorous. Also be sure to engage in this activity for a predetermined length of time and try to do it at about the same time each day so that your dog comes to expect it and you both develop a workout routine that sticks!

Walking

Of course, dog walking is always a great and fun way to exercise with your dog. Regardless of breed or age, all dogs enjoy at least two good walks daily! You may walk briskly or at a slower pace, but do walk your dog regularly to help him burn calories and excess energy (which can often result in undesirable behavior).

Before Exploring Fun Ways to Exercise With Your Dog…

Depending on your dog’s breed, he may respond to some exercises better than others. We highly recommend a vet visit before starting a workout routine just to make sure that your little fur buddy is ready to increase his daily activity. This is especially important for older dogs or those suffering from arthritis and also for dogs who’ve ever had a broken limb or have even suffered a recent illness.

Any activity with you is going to be a good time for your pooch, but we do want to advise you to take it slow at first. If your dog isn’t used to a lot of physical activity, be patient with him while he adjusts to your new workout regimen. Gradually introduce new exercises to your pet and give him (and yourself!) time to work up to your optimal workout levels.

Your Ideas

Do you know of other fun ways to exercise with your dog? Be sure to share your ideas in the comment well below!

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Dog Toys That Your BFF Will Absolutely Adore

Is your bestie in need of a few new dog toys? Perhaps he’s torn the stuffing out of his old favorites or has even lost a beloved one or two. We know how much an old faithful toy means to your cuddle buddy, so we want to spend a little time talking about 5 special dog toys that we know he’ll absolutely adore.

1. Binkie

Dogs love a good Kong toy and here’s one that’s made especially for puppies! This adorable pacifier­like toy helps teething puppies, as well as provides them with hours of fun trying to get to the snacks you’re going to hide inside of the Binkie!

2. Dental Dinosaur Chew

We love dog toys that also come with health benefits, which is why this chew toy from Nylabone is a must­-have! Your dog will love chewing on it as often as possible and, when he does, you can take joy in knowing that he’s also cleaning yucky tartar and plaque from his teeth.

3. Wobble Wag Giggle

As seen on tv, the Wobble Wag Giggle is an interactive joy that will keep your dog occupied whether you’re away from home or just too busy to play. Made of polyester, this toy makes cute giggling sounds whenever it is shaken or nudged around. It’s one of the cutest dog toys of its kind and doesn’t need batteries, so it should occupy your pooch for years to come.

4. Hide A Squirrel

Have a dog who likes to hunt? She’s going to go bonkers for Hide A Squirrel! Just place the little squeaky squirrels inside the plush tree trunk and let your dog do her thing as she retrieves the little critters on her own. This one even comes in squirrels for small, medium and large dogs!

5.  Sock Monkey Shaker
Dog toys that can be pulled, shaken and tossed about are always highly favored! So, treat your bestie to one of these adorable sock monkey shakers that squeak when squeezed. The cute little monkeys come in a variety of colors and we know that your pup is going to have crazy fun with this one, so why not stock up on several and add them to her toy chest right away?

More Dog Toys

In need of more dog toys to satisfy your beloved’s craving for fun? Try these recommendations from the Humane Society for more great ideas and safety advice. And if you have a few suggestions you’d like to share with our community, by all means leave them below!

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Have You Seen Anderson Cooper’s New Love?

Noted CNN news anchor, Anderson Cooper, suffered a devastating loss a few months back when his beloved Welsh Springer Spaniel, Molly, passed away. After 11 years together, we can only imagine how devastated Cooper must have been by her demise. Dog lovers everywhere offered their kind words of support and comfort after the sad news was shared on the journalist’s personal Instagram account. As life goes, though, good news often follows bad, which is why we’re proud to tell you that Anderson Cooper has opened his heart and home to a brand new puppy whom we hope he gets to share many, many years of warm hugs and wet kisses with!

Photo Credit: Anderson Cooper

Meet Lilly Cooper

Just as Anderson Cooper shared his mournful news on Instagram, the popular anchor returned to that same platform to share the amazing announcement that another Welsh Springer Spaniel named Lilly was now a new member of his family. Anderson’s timing was perfect, too, as he shared the photo of his new bestie on last month’s National Pet Day. Judging from the cuddly pose and Anderson’s true love of animals, we know that the two are already the best of friends!

Like her late older sister, Lilly is also a Welsh Springer Spaniel. Not to be confused with the English Springer Spaniel (they are two totally separate breeds), the Welsh Springer seems perfectly suited for Anderson Cooper as they are known to love the great outdoors and their feet are even slightly webbed giving them an advantage when engaging in water activities. Anderson has often expressed a love for adventure and travel, so we’re sure that Lilly will be a beloved companion at home and on the go!

More About Lilly’s New Companion

Whether you’re an Anderson Cooper fan or not, you probably already know plenty about him. From his famous heritage as the son of Gloria Vanderbilt to his rise to success as a journalist despite having a mild form of dyslexia. But did you know that Anderson is also a compassionate lover of dogs even beyond his own? Nothing speaks to this fact more than his purchase of ballistic vests for the entire K-9 unit of the Virginia Police Department after the loss of one of their furry comrades.

Has Anderson Cooper Inspired You?
Anderson Cooper moving on with a new pet is something we greatly admire. Anyone who’s ever lost a pet knows that there simply is no such thing as “replacing” a furry family member. We also know, however, that a serious void needs to be filled with a new pet after a period of mourning has passed. Have you lost a pet and has Anderson’s story inspired you to adopt a new one? Would you prefer to adopt a puppy or a more senior pet? Tell us your thoughts and feel free to share your stories below.

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A New Twist On the Fox and the Hound

Move over Disney, there’s a real life fox and the hound story that’s taking the Internet by storm! Meet Juniper, a one year-old domesticated fox with an Instagram page that will make your entire day. Not only is Juniper the cutest, fluffiest thing you’ll ever see, but her relationship with her best friend, an Australian Shepherd mix named Moose, will melt your heart!

Photo credit: juniperfoxx

Owned by a kind-hearted animal lover named Jessika, Juniper and Moose love frolicking together during walks, endless play sessions and, of course, cheesing it up for the Gram! Jessika has owned Juniper since she was a mere 5 weeks-old and shares a ton of information about owning a pet fox on her wittle love bug’s Instagram account. She also graces us with photos of this precious little fox and the hound who desperately loves her pretty regularly. Rescued from a shelter, Moose appears to be as smitten with Juniper as all of us are, which may come as a surprise to many since dogs and foxes aren’t always fast friends.

In fact, Jessika warns anyone thinking of getting a pet fox that aggression between foxes and dogs is a pretty common occurrence. We’re glad to see that these two seemed to have missed that memo and have chosen a lifetime of loving each other, instead!

Fetch! Pet Care and Exotic Pets

Thinking about owning a pet fox? Well, we’re all for it as long as you do your research first. As Jessika states in one of her Instagram posts, owning a pet fox is illegal in some areas and they cannot be sent to a boarding facility or a doggy daycare whenever you’d like to go on vacation. We’re happy to lend a hand in that area, though, as one of our professional pet sitters may be available to come to your home should you ever need a sitter for your fox (or any other exotic pets).

 

 

Your Thoughts on This Fox and the Hound?

 

What do you make of this modern day fox and the hound love story? Do you own a pet fox? Would you like to? Leave us your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to share this adorable story with all of your social media pals using the tag #fetchpetcare so that we can follow along!

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CAT FACTS: What Do You Really Know About Your Favorite Pet?

How many cat facts do you know? Of course, these little furballs need love, tenderness, patience and understanding, but how much do you know about the little things that make your precious one so unique among pets? To broaden everyone’s knowledge about cat facts we’ve created 10 trivia questions for you to enjoy. But promise not to peek at the answers until you get to the end, ok?

Let’s Begin…

1. How long ago did cats decide to start living with humans?

A.) 800 years ago

B.) 8,000 years ago

C.) 12,000 years ago

2. How long does a cat’s pregnancy last?

A.) 9­10 weeks

B.) 6 months

C.) Up to 120 days

3. How many facial expressions can a cat make?

A.) 1

B.)12

C.) 26

D.) Cats can’t make facial expressions

 

4. Cats with white fur sunburn easily.

A.) True

B.) False

5. What color are a kitten’s eyes at birth?

A.) Green

B.) Blue

C.) Yellow

D.) Brown

6. A cat who has never had human contact is considered to be _____.

A.) Stray

B.) Feral

C.) Both stray and feral

7. Exposure to cigarette smoke can increase a cat’s chances of developing cancer because carcinogens linger in a cat’s fur and are ingested each time a cat grooms.

A.) True

B.) False

8. A group of cats is called a ___.

A.) Pack

B.) Kindle

C.) Clowder

9. A group of kittens is called a ___.

A.) Kindle

B.) Pack

C.) Clowder

10. Cats stretch upon awakening in order to loosen their joints.

A.) True

B.) False

ANSWERS

1. C ­ Cats started living with humans 12,000 years ago (Source)

2. A ­ The average cat is pregnant for 9­10 weeks (Source)

3. C ­ Cats can make 26 different facial expressions. (Source)

4. A ­ True (Source)

5. B ­ Blue (Source)

6. B ­ Feral (Source)

7. A ­ True (Source)

8. C ­ Clowder (Source)

9. A ­ Kindle (Source)

10. B ­ Cats stretch upon awakening in order to restore circulation (Source)

How Many Cat Facts Did You Know?

Of these 10 cat facts how many did you get right? Did any of them surprise you? Tell us your score and if you have questions about any of the answers, let us know below. Now it’s time to find out how many cat facts your friends and family members know. Share this kitty trivia quiz with your email list and all of your social media pals. Be sure to also tag us on your social posts using the #FetchPetCare hashtag so that we can continue this discussion online!

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How to Handle Dog Walking in Bad Weather

When the weather is right, dog walking is probably the best part of your day, right? But what about when it’s too hot, too cold, raining or snowing? If you’re anything like a lot of pet owners, you probably prefer skipping the walk altogether on such days! As a loving pet parent, though, you know that foregoing a walk really isn’t an option, so we thought we’d share a few expert tips on dog walking in undesirable weather.

Be Consistent

Shortening the length of your walk may be okay when it’s storming outside or if temperatures have soared beyond what you and your fur baby can physically endure. Do not, however, forego your walk altogether. It’s important that your dog remain on a consistent daily walking schedule in order to help him remain in good physical health, as well as to help avoid accidents and behavioral issues.

Plan Your Dog Walking Route Carefully

While you should walk your dog at the same times each day, who says that your route can’t be altered slightly? Heavily tree­lined streets can really make your dog walking duties a bit easier during extremely rainy or hot days. Whether shielding from a downpour or protecting from the hot sun, drive to an area where trees are in abundance if you have to and proceed to walk your dog as you normally would.

Select the Right Gear

Protect your pooch from extremely cold and/or wet conditions by purchasing a doggy raincoat and boots (if your little fashionista will wear them). You may also want to carry an extra drying towel while walking your dog in the rain or snow. The idea here is not only to keep your dog’s fur as dry as possible, but to also help him retain body heat and avoid things like dry, cracked paws.

Whether hot or cold outside, if your fur baby has white fur or fur that is thinning in places, be sure to apply doggy sunscreen before you embark upon your walk! Also, carry clean drinking water for your dog and a few snacks to be offered as comfort food as you two brave the elements together.Hire a Dog Walker

If, for whatever reasons, you absolutely cannot tolerate wet weather or extreme temperatures, hire a professional to walk your dog for you. This way, your pooch can remain on a consistent schedule and enjoy the great outdoors without you having to expose yourself to the elements. Professional dog walkers, like those hand selected by Fetch! Pet Care, are not only willing and prepared to go for a walk in any weather, but they’ve pretty much mastered the experience of doing so!

ABC ­ Always Be Considerate

Encourage, but never force your dog to walk in uncomfortable weather. Watch him carefully for signs of things like overheating (usually accompanied by heavy panting and lethargy) or hypothermia (characterized by shivering, shallow breathing and cognitive decline). Always be considerate of your little one’s feelings and if he really doesn’t desire to be outdoors in undesirable weather, immediately take him home, opt for a few indoor exercises and try dog
walking again when the weather eases up a bit.

Your Bad Weather Walking Tips

Has extreme weather impacted your daily dog walking before? What kinds of solutions have you found to be effective for walking on extremely cold, hot or wet days? Does your dog mind walking in different weather conditions? This post isn’t finished until you have your say, so please sound off in the comments section below. Remember to also share this post on social media and use the #FetchPetCare hashtag so that we can join you in the conversation there!

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Here’s How to Tell if Pet Sitting is Right For You

Pet sitting isn’t for everyone. It takes a very special person with unique qualities and abilities to
care for another person’s fur baby while they are away. If the idea of pet sitting or dog walking
intrigues you, but you’re not sure you’re up for the job, this post is just for you! As specialists in
this area, Fetch! Pet Care knows a thing or two about the qualities needed to do the job well.

You Are the “Go­To” Person

Do your friends and family automatically call upon you when they need someone to care for
their pets? This is one of the most telltale signs pointing to someone as a natural pet sitter. The
people closest to you are often aware of your special way with animals even before you are. If
you’re already being asked to take care of cats, dogs and other pets while your loved ones are
away, you just may be destined to become a professional pet sitter!

What About the Pets?

Upon hearing that a friend or a co­worker is preparing for an upcoming trip, do you immediately
find yourself wondering if their pet will travel with them or if their fur bud will stay home? Do you
ask questions about who will care for their pet while they’re away? Do you keep a list of pet
sitters or kennels in your area just in case someone needs them? Consistently wondering, what
about the pets, is a pretty sure indication that you’re ready to enter the wonderful world of pet
sitting.

You’ve Never Met a Pet­Stranger

When walking down the street or going about your daily activities, can you resist the urge to
make friends with random pets you meet along the way? Do you stop people to ask them their
pet’s name, age, breed, etc.? You are a natural pet sitter if your curiosity about pets causes you
to make friends with them wherever you go!

Is Your Home a Safe Haven For Stray Cats?

Do stray and feral cats in your neighborhood know that they can always count on you for a good
meal? Do you purposely leave a warm place for them to sleep around your home on cold
nights? Do you find yourself worrying about neighborhood cats that you haven’t seen in awhile?
Anyone who takes a special interest in caring for stray and feral cats is definitely ready for full
on pet sitting duties!

Does Your Dream Job Involve Pets?

When you give it a little thought, does your dream job involve working with pets? Have you
brainstormed fun jobs involving pets, but that do not take years of education and training?

Answer yes to either of these questions and it’s time to call Fetch Pet Care and join our team of
pet sitters and dog walkers!

Final Thoughts

So, have you decided yet? Is pet sitting the right job for you? Or are you a pet sitter already and
have something you’d like to add to help future sitters make the best career decision ever?
We’re leaving the comments section open so that you can sound off with your questions and
comments regarding all things pet sitting. And if you’ve already decided to become a sitter, then,
by all means reach out to us and we’ll get you started on your dream job right away!

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