Teaching your dog or puppy to play fetch can be a great way to bond, provide mental stimulation, and give them a healthy outlet for their energy. But what if your dog won’t fetch—or grabs the toy and refuses to bring it back?

If your dog runs after the ball but won’t return it, or plays keep-away instead of dropping the toy, you’re not alone. Many dogs love the chase but haven’t yet learned the full game of fetch—including the all-important “drop it” cue.

In this post, we’ll explore why your dog won’t fetch or drop the ball, and how to teach fetch in a way that’s fun, frustration-free, and builds your dog’s trust and engagement.