Some hovawarts are better at retrieving and learn to "fetch" more quickly than others, with patience and encouragement they can all learn.
"Fetch" is a simple command and is easily taught to hovawart puppies as a simple game. Used as entertainment it helps create good bonds between dog and owner; and it's more advanced forms can be used for such things as weapons recovery and drugs location since "fetch" can also involve a scenting element.
One highly adaptable method of training the "fetch command" is to use two objects or toys in a " bait and switch routine", as in the two hoses game. The objects or toys have to be identical, and something your hovawart enjoys playing with. Begin with the dog on a lead and conceal one of the toys on your person and throw the other a short distance away after getting him interested in it and showing it to him. Release the dog and say "fetch" or whatever command word you choose. He will probably chase after the toy and most likely pick it up. When he starts to return with the first toy, produce the hidden one, let him see it.
Most hovawarts will drop the toy they are carrying in favour of the new second toy. When this happens, wait for the dog to return to you and reattached the lead before throwing the second toy. ( Do not give any additional commands such as heel or sit just yet, that comes much later.) After throwing the second toy, repeat your command "fetch" then release him. While he is chasing after the second toy, quickly pick up the first toy. Repeat this process several times using your chosen fetch command. Some hovawarts are not all that object or toy motivated; so try adding some 'flavour to the game', meat pate or similar can easily be stuffed into Kong toys or a prepared tennis ball; or a food reward given when the exercise is completed correctly.
Another way to teach the "fetch command" is to get him interested in a toy or object and throw it a short distance away, then walk with the dog to the object and then wait for him to pick it up, or show interest in it. Reward him generously for finding and picking up the object. When he grasps the idea have a second person walk the dog out for the pick up, and then have them both return to you with the item. Again reward him generously for making the retrieve. One he has grasped the concept of the game it should be possible to slowly encourage him to "fetch" on his own as above.
A few tips - the first is not to make the throw a long distance one. Short throws are easier for him to physically see, require less concentration and make less work for you if he fails to adequately grasp the concept.
Another is to keep "fetch toys" for fetch, keep them special. If you allow him to play with the toy all the time, it will lose novelty and your hovawart's drive to chase after it will reduce. By making the dog wait to play with the toy it becomes "special" and your hovawart will see the toy itself as a reward.
A third tip is to hold him for a moment before allowing him to chase the object. This gives him a moment to focus on the object and helps build a stronger desire to retrieve the object he is seeking; so when he is released he runs quickly and happily to the object, and retrieves it enthusiastically.
Lastly, keep it fun it's a game. Play influences many things, including development, motivation, emotions, physiology, communication and behaviour.
Once the hovawart has mastered the basic game you can slowly begin to add other commands such as sit, present, or heel. Additionaly, now is the time to throw the object into long grass, behind a wall or an obstacle so he must also begin to use his nose too.
A variation of the above could be used to teach young hovawarts to "fetch" a ball (or any other object),
Start by waving, showing a ball about half a meter in front of his face, not too close or he may back away. Get him focused and interested on the ball by moving it back and forth, bouncing it a couple of times and then toss it no more than a couple of meters away. It’s usually the movement that attracts him more than the object itself.
Now if he trots up to it and puts his mouth around it, softly clap your hands and back quickly away from him, which encourages him to move toward you. Do not clap until he has it in his mouth, and do not use his name or call him to come, it may cause him to drop the ball and just return obediently to you. If he comes partway to you with the ball in his mouth and then stops and/or tries to get you to chase him, move backwards again, clap some more and run away from him to lure him towards you. Again do not use any verbal commands.
The rule that can’t be broken is that he must move toward you; you never ever move toward him. If your dog is one of those who grabs the ball and runs, run yourself, in the opposite direction. Most hovawarts cannot resist a chase game, and it’s up to you to decide who does the chasing; make a conscious effort not to run after your dog.
If he brings the ball toward you and drops it anywhere near your feet, pick it up and throw it instantly. Most people tend to pick up the ball, hold it, ask him to sit and spend several seconds praising him. If he wants the ball back, give it to him. Throw the ball the instant your dog drops it.
There are lots of distractions outdoors and young hovawarts may only retreive a toy a few times, so don’t be discouraged if he brings the ball back twice then puts it down and ignores it, that’s okay. Game over. Quietly put the ball away and end the session. You may notice a pattern develops - he fetches five times in a row and then stops for example. Next time, stop the game after four throws so that you leave him wanting more.
A fairly common difficulty is the hovawart who brings the object back but won’t give it up, dancing just out of reach with it. He wants you to play and chase him! You need to beat him at his own game. As soon as he’s anywhere near you, fold your arms and turn away from him, refusing to face him or to reach for the ball. The hovawart that really loves the game will keep trying to face you, and most will eventually drop the ball. When that happens, quickly pick it up and throw it again as soon as you can. Occasionally some just won’t drop the ball, no matter how long you play hard-to-get. Try throwing an identical second (object) ball when he approaches with the first. Most hovawarts will drop the (object) ball that is in their mouths as soon as a second one is thrown.
It may take time to convince him to release the first ball without a second one, but if you regularly practise this over several weeks he will reliably fetch a ball without the addition of a second ball or object.
You could also give a treat in exchange for the ball; give the command “Drop it” just before you waft a tempting morsel under his nose. Give him the treat, pick up the ball that’s been dropped to get the food, and throw it again, quickly. A word of caution - some hovawarts may lose interest in the ball when they learn you have treats, although it can work well for those who are "committed retrievers". Eventually you can eliminate the treat altogether, because chasing the ball is the reward and reinforcement for bringing it back to you.
Three vital things to remember are to move away from your dog, thereby encouraging him to come to you (this also has benefits in recall training); to positively reinforce anything he does that approximates a "fetch" at first; and to ignore his attempts to get you to play “Chase me!”
