Fetch & Reward Training Manual

Coachi Fetch & Reward Dummy

The Key to Success: Motivation and Fun!

The Coachi Fetch & Reward Dummy is designed to engage your dog’s mind while reinforcing key skills like fetch, recall and scent work. Unlike typical toys, your dog only gets the reward (treats) when you open the compartment, making it a great tool for building motivation and the connection between effort and reward. With patience and positive reinforcement, your dog will quickly learn that bringing the dummy back to you equals a tasty reward!

How to Get Started

1. Step 1: Introduce the Fetch & Reward Dummy
   Start by showing your dog the Coachi Fetch & Reward Dummy. Let them sniff it and explore it while it’s closed. Once they’re familiar with the toy, open the compartment and let them see the treats inside. Give them a moment to investigate and get excited about the reward!
2. Step 2: Show the Treats, But Don’t Open It Yet
   Next, place the dummy in front of your dog, but keep the treats locked inside. Encourage your dog to interact with the toy (they may nudge or paw at it). Reward any interest with praise, but don’t open the compartment just yet. The goal is to build anticipation and motivation around the idea that they’ll only get the treats when they return the dummy to you.
3. Step 3: Get Them to Fetch It
   Now, toss the Coachi Fetch & Reward Dummy a short distance away, encouraging your dog to chase and grab it. Let them carry it back to you on their own. When they return the dummy to you, open the compartment and reward them with the treats immediately. Keep your tone upbeat and positive - this is all about fun and motivation!
4. Step 4: Introduce the “Give” or “Bring It” Cue
   As your dog learns that they get a reward when they return the dummy, introduce a verbal cue like “Fetch” or “Bring It” when they come back with the toy. Praise them as they bring it to you, and immediately open the compartment to let them enjoy the reward. With repetition, they’ll start to associate the action of bringing the dummy back with getting the treats.
5. Step 5: Gradually Increase the Distance
   Once your dog is reliably returning the dummy, gradually increase the distance you throw it. Start with small throws and work up to longer ones. Each time they bring it back, open the compartment to reward them. This step will help reinforce recall and fetch skills while keeping the game exciting.
6. Step 6: Add in Scent Work and Challenge
   To take things to the next level, try hiding the dummy with treats in it somewhere easy. Encourage your dog to use their nose to find the dummy and return it to you. Just remember, they only get the reward when they return it to you!

Training Tips:

• Patience is Key: Dogs, especially beginners, may need time to understand that bringing the toy back to you is the key to unlocking the reward. Keep training sessions short and fun to avoid frustration.
• Consistent Reinforcement: Always reward your dog immediately when they bring the toy back. This helps them understand that the action of returning the dummy is what gets them the reward.
• Use Positive Reinforcement: If your dog struggles at first, don’t force them to return the dummy. Encourage them with praise and gentle guidance. Make it a fun experience! You can always work on just a few centimetres distance to begin with!
• Supervised Play Only: The Coachi Fetch & Reward Dummy is not a chew toy. Always supervise play to ensure safety and longevity.

Fun Ways to Play with the Fetch & Reward Dummy

• Classic Fetch
  Start simple by tossing the dummy a short distance, rewarding your dog when they return it to you. It’s a great way to practice fetch and reinforce the “fetch” cue.
• Scent Work Challenge
  Hide the dummy with treats inside and encourage your dog to find it using their nose. The challenge of scent work is mentally stimulating and rewarding.
• Distance Building
  Increase the throw distance gradually as your dog gets better at returning the dummy. This helps reinforce recall and builds your dog’s focus and stamina.
• Multiple Dummies for Added Fun
  Use more than one dummy during a session. Throw them in different directions to make the game more exciting and engage your dog in multiple retrieves.
• Interactive Agility
  Incorporate the Coachi Fetch & Reward Dummy into agility training by tossing it over or around obstacles, encouraging your dog to retrieve it and return to you for a reward.

Please Note:
This toy is not a chew toy. Supervision is essential during play to ensure your dog’s safety.