Note from Charlie’s mom-

A lot of people ask me “How do I get my dog to fetch the newspaper like Charlie does?” My initial reaction is “He’s a retriever! He’ll carry anything in his mouth!” There’s a lot of truth to this, but fetching the paper is still a behavior that needs to be learned. Here’s what worked for us.

1. Get your dog used to being off leash and under voice control in the front yard. We’re still a little sketchy on the voice control part, but at least he stays in the yard.

2. Pick up and put down the newspaper several times while your dog is watching, repeating the word “paper”

3. Put the paper in your dog’s mouth, again repeat the word “paper”

4. After some repetition, the dog should pick up the paper on his own.

5. Walk enthusiastically back to the house, repeating “Good boy! Good Charlie! Good boy!” (Of course, use your own dog’s name)

6. Once back in the house, quickly exchange a treat for the newspaper.

This worked for Charlie and me, maybe it will work for you!!