Dog training takes a lot of time. Every owner wants his pet to perform all commands perfectly. And if it is not difficult to teach sitting or lying down, then learning the “Aport” command will require more effort and patience. It is important to correctly explain to the animal what is required of it and what “Aport” means.
Fetch is one of the commands that can be taught to a dog from an early age.
“Aport” is a command for a dog: what does it mean?
What is “Aport” for dogs? The meaning of the order is this: if executed correctly, the dog must pick up the object thrown by the owner and return to it. Next, the dog must go around the owner to the right and behind, then position himself near the left leg and wait for him to pick up the item.
The dog is not allowed to start moving before the owner pronounces the command. In addition, the pet must hold the object until the handler picks it up, and not just throw it on the ground.
Attention! This exercise is not a game, it is performed strictly according to commands.
Development of the command “Aport!”
One of the strongest instincts of the German Shepherd is the natural hunting instinct, inherited from wild ancestors common to wolves. In the modern German Shepherd, the hunting instinct is used to strengthen special service qualities; first of all, it manifests itself in the form of pursuit and capture of all kinds of moving objects (both living objects and inanimate objects). Modern training of the German Shepherd is almost entirely based on the method of development and comprehensive practical use of the natural hunting instinct, the prey instinct. An excellent basis for the development of many service qualities is the consolidation of the skill of fetching. Unlike other training methods, it is the method of instinctive development that has undoubted advantages and greater efficiency in mastering the training process, because there is practically no compulsion to act. As a result, the German Shepherd fulfills the owner’s requirements with pleasure, genuine desire and significant effect. The main task of the owner of a German Shepherd, as soon as he receives a puppy, is to begin the development of this instinct in the gameplay, encouraging the carrying of various objects in the teeth, but of course not from household items.
Encourage interest in fetching in all available ways. To train the correct fetch, you should use a ball, stick or other object with a long cord tied to it. Using a cord, it is necessary to force the dog to bring the fetch to the owner. If done correctly, the fetch is removed and the dog is rewarded with a piece of his favorite treat. It is forbidden to forcefully take away fetch from a puppy, chasing him; subsequently, these mistakes will cause the dog to misunderstand the process and strengthen the dog’s instinct of possessiveness and a perverted understanding of the fetch skill.
During the first lessons in practicing the fetching skill, the fetching object itself is not thrown, but is in the hands of the owner. It is necessary to arouse the dog's interest in this subject. After familiarizing yourself with the object, the puppy is given a fetch in the teeth and immediately removed, thus training the skill of returning the fetch. All actions are performed strictly according to the commands “Aport!”, “Give!”. After the basic skills have been consolidated, the following are practiced: the skill of randomly detecting, lifting and returning a fetch from the ground at the owner’s command “Give!” and the skill of wearing a fetch in your teeth for a long time until the command “Give!” Only after these skills have been consolidated do they move on to practicing the “Fetch!” command itself. in full complex.
Why teach your pet this command?
The “Fetch” command for a dog is often used during walks for entertainment. This activity is great for large breed dogs that need active games and good physical activity. Thanks to such a command, the dog has a great time, splashes out his energy, so he will behave more calmly at home.
All breeds are distinguished by the presence of instinct, which allows them to find prey and bring it to their owner. In the old days, dogs were used for hunting; they brought back shot game. Currently, the “Fetch” command for dogs allows you to preserve and develop your pet’s genetically endowed potential.
Attention! If you conduct training regularly, the animal will have excellent spatial orientation, its various hunting qualities will improve, and its vision and hearing will be sharpened.
Training is best done in the form of a game, then the animal will be interested
Step-by-step teaching method
Learning any skill, even the simplest one, is a step-by-step process that includes:
- mutual explanations;
- achieving automaticity in performing a given task;
- full and long-term consolidation of skills.
The initial stage consists of sub-stages that help achieve the result step by step:
- Training should be carried out in special conditions - at home or on the playground there should be no stimuli that distract the dog’s attention (factors influencing basic instincts - sexual, defensive, hunting).
- The right motivation must be chosen - encouragement with a tasty treat, stroking, praise. As a result, a positive emotional connection is formed between the pet and the owner. Trying to earn a treat, the dog will try to understand and execute commands as fully as possible.
- Mutual explanations involve interaction between a person and a dog through the creation of their own “language.” The owner must present the stages, their implementation and the final result in order to accurately and clearly explain this to the pet.
- Outlining the boundaries of skill formation. The trainer must know exactly what he is rewarding with treats and affection, and the animal must understand what is required of him and how to get the trainer’s approval. At this substage, a contrasting influence is also used - for incorrect execution of a command, the dog is punished (a jerk with a leash, pushing with hands, threatening intonations), but as soon as the animal corrects the mistake, it is rewarded with affection or a treat.
- Training in the execution of authorizing commands that trigger the “Fetch” command - “Sit”, “Come to me”, “Give”.
- Teaching cancel commands, such as “Walk.” Without it, the dog should not stop training.
- Working out a training regime - training time should alternate with a rest period, which should also be active in order to maintain physical and mental readiness for work.
At the second stage of bringing the execution of the “Aport” command to automaticity, you also need to adhere to certain substages:
- At this stage, the dog must obey commands clearly and quickly. If at the first stage the animal can bring the object at different speeds, then at the second the dog must bring it at a run, without being distracted by extraneous stimuli.
- The number of punishments prevails over rewards in order to create a strong desire in the dog to avoid them, accurately completing the task. But the trainer must correctly reinforce the execution of commands with encouragement so that the overall emotional background of training remains positive.
- The owner must maintain the intensity of the exercises for the entire allotted period of time.
At the initial stages of training, a leash or rope is used, with the help of which the trainer controls and implements negative reinforcement. In the third stage, the number of incentives at each stage is reduced. The dog quickly, without distraction, accurately executes the command and receives encouragement in the form of affection or a treat after it correctly executes the command.
The stage of making a decision and developing an optimal action plan is replaced by the final automation of the skill. The requirements for the number of correctly executed commands are being tightened - the vast majority of them must be in the third stage.
Choosing a place to study
Initially, it is allowed to conduct training at home. In a familiar place, it will be easier for the dog to learn training lessons. During this period, you can start with a simple “Take” command. When the baby masters it and begins to run after the object, you can gradually move on to learning outside.
Outside of the home, it is necessary to choose a place that is not easily accessible so that nothing disturbs the puppy during training. It is better to stop in an open area where there are no obstacles and there is a good view. It is not recommended to go outside after rain, because at this time the ground is wet and often slippery - the dog can damage something. You should also avoid training on asphalt, as such surfaces negatively affect the animal’s joints.
The subject for training should be chosen in such a way that it is convenient for the dog to take it
Choosing a retrieval item
To teach the “Fetch” command for dogs, you can choose any toy or object. The main thing is that it is comfortable for the dog to hold it in its mouth and there is no discomfort for the teeth. The most common options are a wooden stick, a plastic bottle, a ball, a game disk, or the dog's favorite toys.
It is recommended to choose smooth objects. If one thing is used, then it is worth constantly treating it with disinfectant solutions. Once the animal has gotten used to it, you can conduct lessons on several subjects. This will allow you to choose your favorite item and then use it constantly.
Is it possible to train an adult dog from scratch?
If desired, even an adult dog can be taught the aport command, but it should be understood that this will take more time and require patience. As a rule, all learning begins at a young age, so it is possible that some difficulties will arise in the process. However, with hard work, the result will certainly please you.
Attention! It is not allowed to show aggression towards a pet if it doesn’t work out right away. This can lead to the dog simply refusing to exercise at all.
Algorithm for training a puppy and an adult dog
Training of children and adult dogs occurs in the same way. It is important to comply with the conditions and do everything gradually.
How to teach your pet the “Take” command
The dog must be teased with his favorite toy in such a way that he tries to grab it. You can play with it a little. Then it is recommended to stop the game at the most interesting moment.
After this, the game is repeated several times, but care must be taken that the dog does not get bored. After some time, it is recommended to enter the “Take” command. When a pet grabs a toy, you need to rejoice and express emotions, as well as encourage the animal.
Dog training is carried out in several stages
How to teach your pet to pick up things from the ground
After you have learned how to perform “Take”, you can move on to the next step. First, the pet is reminded of it, then they put the toy on the ground and repeat it again.
If necessary, you should help your pet with gestures or guidance. You can even throw the object away a little so that the dog moves behind it.
After the animal picks up the item, you must say the command “Give it back.” If the dog does not give up the object, then it is recommended to turn around and start moving away from it.
Attention! Under no circumstances should you run after the dog - it will perceive this as a game, and training will be disrupted. Also, do not try to take the item by force.
How to teach a dog to carry something
After mastering the first two commands, you can begin further training. First, it is recommended to repeat “Take” several times. Then throw the object a little further and repeat the request again. If successful, it is recommended to throw the toy further and further.
At this stage, you can already try to accustom the dog to the word “Fetch”, but the dog must perform the exercise under the first option.
The dog is given the command “Sit”, while the object is taken away and thrown away. An animal should not break loose without instructions. If the pet sits firmly and does not move, then they say “Aport.”
How to teach a dog to retain an edible “Fetch”
Edible items can also be used for learning. At the first stage, you should conduct an experiment with a food you don’t really like. However, they gradually switch to goodies. At the same time, it is necessary for the dog to understand that if he holds the treat in his mouth and does not eat it, he will receive an even more delicious piece.
Learning algorithm: starting position
So, how to teach a dog the “Fetch!” command? Let's start by describing the starting position. The dog should sit or lie next to the owner's left leg. At the same time, the coach should give only positive emotional reactions. Do not scold or shout at your dog under any circumstances, even if it doesn’t succeed. On the contrary, try to encourage her and pet her. Any, even the most insignificant, success must be rewarded with a treat.
Try not to overtire the animal, especially puppies. It is better to take several short breaks so that the dog does not perceive training as a labor obligation.
How to teach a puppy the fetch command?
It is important to prepare properly for training. To do this you need:
- Choose a suitable place to study. You can train with your pet at home or outdoors. The main thing is that there is nothing on the site you choose that distracts the puppy from performing the exercise.
- Think about how you will reward the dog for correctly following the command. You can please your pet with a treat, verbal praise, or petting. This will give him the motivation he needs to study.
- Prepare the necessary equipment. In addition to the training item, you will also need a collar with a leash and gloves.
To teach how to fetch something, you should work with your pet like this:
- The dog needs to be seated near your left leg. You should hold the leash in your left hand.
- You should take the fetch item in your right hand and show it to the dog. As soon as the animal wants to take it, you need to say the word “Fetch” and allow the pet to grab this thing. If the animal copes with this task, it must be praised to reinforce the skill. If the dog holds the retrieval object too weakly, you need to pull it - as soon as the dog understands that the thing is being taken away, he will strengthen his grip.
- Then the dog must be commanded “Give”. She must return the training item immediately. After this, the pet needs to be rewarded by offering him a treat.
Passive inflection method
This method involves physical impact on the animal. The owner puts an object into the pet’s mouth with his hand and holds it for a certain time, while commanding “Aport.” If everything goes well, the dog receives a treat.
However, this method is not comfortable for the animal; the dog may become aggressive. With such training, the pet does not receive any development, and its attention is concentrated on the trainer, and not on the lessons. Therefore, it is best to conduct classes using the traditional method.
It is necessary to explain to the dog exactly what is required of it.
Basic mistakes
During training, mistakes can often be made. It is worth paying attention to the following points:
- Training without play will quickly get boring for your dog, so it is recommended to play a little first and then start lessons.
- If a dog runs away on the street, then training cannot be carried out without a leash. Otherwise, such lessons will be of no use; the dog will constantly be distracted and run away.
- The owner should also play with the dog. If he just stands there and commands, the dog will gradually lose interest and will not want to learn.
- It is imperative to reward the dog after he has completed the command correctly.
Any training should be carried out in such a way that both the pet and the owner feel comfortable. It is recommended to be patient and try to gradually teach your dog commands. If desired, results can be achieved quite quickly.
A dog picks up a thing from the ground
The purpose of this training is the following: you need your pet to pick up the necessary thing lying on the ground and give it into the hands of the owner. To do this, the dog must be on a leash.
And follow the command “Sit!” Next, familiarize her with the fetch and throw it at such a distance that the dog can see it. In this case, it is better to throw from the bottom up, while it is better to extend your arm forward. Throwing an object forward and pointing at it with your hand, give your pet the command: “Fetch!” And without letting go of the leash, go with your pet for the “prey”.
When you and the animal approach the object you threw, repeat the command again. If your pet does not understand you and the task remains uncompleted, simply move the object. The command must be repeated by you again. The dog simply cannot help but react to this.
As soon as the animal picks up the desired object, invite it to walk a few steps with the order “nearby”. Only after such penetration should the order sound: “Give!” The dog must obey and give the “prey” into your hands. For such diligent execution of commands, treat the dog with something tasty and praise it.
The next task is to teach not to move without a command
To do this, sit her down and throw the training object forward, while waiting a short time before giving the “fetch” command. If the dog rushes forward without an order, it must be returned to its original position on a leash, saying: “Sit!”
Only after this, pointing in the direction of the object and repeating the order, begin to move towards the goal with your pet. The next task: the animal itself runs after the specified thing. As soon as the dog picks up the object, say: “Come to me.” - And then. - "Near!". All these actions must be performed with only one “Aport” command. Items used for training should not be feathers or contain feather down or long pile. This is very annoying for the dog.
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