Build the retrieve mechanics indoors where it’s quiet and controlled. The three components: chase (easy — most dogs do this), grab (usually fine), and return (the hard part). The two-toy method solves the return problem without a fight.
The Two-Toy Method
This is the core technique. Nate Schoemer and Larry Krohn both use variations of this. It works because it makes coming back to you more rewarding than running away.
How It Works
- Have two identical toys. Same ball, same size, same color if possible. She shouldn’t prefer one over the other.
- Show toy #1. Get her interested. A few bounces, let her see it.
- Toss toy #1 a short distance (5-10 feet to start).
- She chases, grabs it. Great.
- Now make toy #2 come alive in your hands. Bounce it, wave it, tap it on the ground. Be exciting.
- She sees toy #2 and comes toward you (with or without toy #1).
- When she arrives near you: If she drops #1 → YES → toss #2. If she doesn’t drop #1 → hold #2 near her nose, she’ll drop #1 to grab #2 → YES → toss #2.
- Pick up toy #1. Repeat.
Why This Works
- She learns: the best thing is always where you are, not where the ball lands
- Coming back isn’t the end of fun — it’s how more fun starts
- The out happens naturally (she drops one to get the other)
- No chasing, no negotiating, no yelling “bring it back”
Building Each Component
Chase and Grab
Most dogs do this instinctively, especially with tug drive built from Phase 1. If Melon doesn’t chase:
- Start with very short distances (3-5 feet)
- Roll the ball along the ground (prey drive activates on ground movement)
- Wiggle the ball before tossing — build anticipation
- Mark any chase with YES, even if she doesn’t grab
- Mark the grab with a bigger YES + let her enjoy having it for a moment
The Return (The Critical Piece)
If she grabs but doesn’t come back, the two-toy method is your primary tool. Additional techniques:
Hallway fetch:
- Use a hallway or narrow room. She can only go one direction (away) and one direction back (toward you).
- Geometry forces the return. Once she turns around with the ball, the only place to go is you.
- Mark the return. Every time.
Run away from her:
- She grabs the ball. You turn and run the opposite direction.
- Most dogs will chase you — prey drive works both ways.
- When she catches up → YES → produce toy #2 or treat
Be interesting, not commanding:
- If she’s not returning, don’t stand there repeating “come.” Instead, crouch down, make excited noises, pat the ground, be the most interesting thing in the room.
- When she moves toward you for any reason → YES
Building the Out
The out command from tug transfers here. She already knows what “out” means (release the thing in your mouth).
- She returns with toy #1. Present toy #2.
- She drops #1 → say “OUT” as she releases → YES → toss #2
- Over time: say “OUT” before presenting #2. She releases because she knows #2 is coming.
- Eventually: “OUT” → she drops the ball → you pick it up → throw it again (the throw itself is the reward)
Indoor Session Structure
Warm-up:
- Quick tug session (1-2 minutes) to build energy and engagement
- A few marker reps
Main work:
- Two-toy fetch: 8-12 reps
- Keep throws short (5-15 feet — you’re in a room)
- Focus on the return and out, not distance
Cool-down:
- Final throw → she returns → out → calm GOOD sequence → BREAK
- Don’t end abruptly. Let the energy come down.
Total: 5-10 minutes
Common Problems
She won’t let go of toy #1:
- Make toy #2 more exciting. Move it faster, bounce it, squeak it.
- If needed, hold a treat at her nose (same trade method you used for tug out)
- Don’t wrestle. Let the second toy do the work.
She grabs toy #2 and runs past you:
- Toss toy #1 shorter. She shouldn’t have room to blow past you.
- Position yourself so she has to come through you to get #2
- Hallway fetch solves this geometrically
She loses interest after 3-4 reps:
- Sessions might be too long. Cut to 5-6 reps and end.
- Vary the throws — different directions, bounce vs roll, high vs low
- End before she quits. Always leave her wanting more.
She grabs but doesn’t come back (even with two-toy):
- The second toy isn’t exciting enough. Really sell it — noise, movement, enthusiasm.
- She might need a long line (even indoors, trailing). Step on it when she runs away so she can’t self-reward with keep-away. Then make coming back exciting.
Ready to Advance
Move to Stage 2: The Structured Game when:
- Melon chases and grabs reliably (9/10 throws)
- She returns to you with the ball (using two-toy method) 7/10 times
- She outs the ball within 3 seconds (with or without seeing the second toy)
- She stays engaged for 8-10 reps without losing interest
- You’ve done at least 4-5 sessions at this level
All criteria met across 2-3 consecutive sessions? Move on.