Step 7: Moving to the next phase of the training
When the dog is actively engaged with the toy, it is time to move to the next step. Take two leashes, join them together and attach them to the toy. This gives you a long line to use to control the toy. You know the dog likes the toy and will chase it but once he has it you want to make sure he comes back to you. The leash will help you achieve this.
step 8: hold on to the dog's collar and get his attention
Hold on to the dog’s collar and get the dog’s attention before throwing the toy. If your dog does not reliably come to you when called the dog should also be on a leash. It would probably be better to give some additional recall training before continuing with retrieve.
step 11: repeat a few times until you think the dog is ready to try it without the leash
Don’t take the toy from the dog straight away. Let him play with it for a while as a reward. Repeat this a few times until you think the dog is ready to try the task without you holding the leash.
step 12: repeat the exercise a few times without holding the leash
Repeat the procedure a few times with the leash still attached to the toy but without you holding it. Remember to train this activity you dog must reliably come when called. If not, you should have a leash on the dog.
Check out this YouTube video by McCann Dogs to see this training method in more detail.
