Retrieving with dogs - more than just fetching balls

What does retrieving mean?

Retrieving is a dog's ability to pick up an object - usually a toy, dummy or ball - on a signal, bring it back and release it. It is a behaviour that many dog owners instinctively use when playing with their dog. But retrieving is much more than a game: it is a complex combination of co-operation, impulse control, nose work and trust.

We - Lui & Paulina - see retrieving not just as an activity, but as valuable relationship work. It's not about how often the dog fetches the ball, but how he does it: with joy, with control, with you as a team. Properly structured, retrieving can become a real communication tool - especially with dogs that are motivated to hunt or are easily excitable.

Why do dogs like to play fetch?

Retrieving is in the genes of many dogs. Hunting dogs such as retrievers, spaniels and pointers were specifically bred to track down and retrieve prey - but not to destroy it. However, other breeds or mixed breeds can also enjoy it. The important thing is that the dog should not simply become a "ball junkie". Constant throwing and chasing can lead to stress, overexcitement and even addictive behaviour.

That's why our approach at Vitomalia is: less is more. A good, well thought-out retrieving session with rituals, breaks and structure is better than wild throwing to the point of exhaustion. And yes, dogs can also learn to retrieve - without any play instinct. The joint task is often the key.

How do I build up retrieving in a sensible way?

Good retrieve training starts with calmness. The dog first learns to calmly pick up an object, hold it and then release it. Only when this works reliably is movement added - e.g. bringing it back at a short distance. And at the end, when everything is in place, throwing is also allowed.

The important thing is: no frantic rushing, no pulling at the object, no "fighting" for the toy. Instead, clear signals, mutual respect and lots of rewards for calm, focussed work. This not only strengthens the bond, but also the dog's nerves. This form of controlled exercise can be a real game changer, especially for easily excitable dogs.

Variants of the retrieve

Retrieving doesn't always have to look the same. Here are a few ideas from our everyday life:

• Fetch food dummy: The dog brings the bag back and gets the food from it - ideal for recall training.

• Lost and found: The dog searches for a hidden object with its nose - pure mental exercise.

• Trick training: Picking things up and bringing them, e.g. socks to the washing machine - also useful in everyday life.

Our conclusion

Retrieving is not a game in itself - but it is a powerful tool for relationship building, utilisation and communication. It's more than a game: it's a dialogue. If we learn to conduct it correctly, a simple "fetch the ball" can develop into a deeper connection.

And that is exactly what Vitomalia is all about: relationship instead of command, connection instead of conditioning. Retrieving can be a key to this - if we use it correctly.