Teaching Your Alaskan Klee Kai to Fetch

If you own an Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK), you already know the look. It’s that intelligent, piercing gaze that seems to say, "I know exactly what you want me to do, but why should I do it?"

Unlike a Golden Retriever who might fetch a ball for the sheer joy of pleasing you, an AKK is a little more... transactional. They are incredibly smart, but they need motivation. Teaching a Klee Kai to fetch isn't just about throwing a ball; it's about negotiating a contract where fun and snacks are the currency.

Here is my personal, step-by-step guide to turning your mini husky into a fetching machine—without losing your patience.

The Gear You’ll Need

Before we start, you need to be armed with high-value currency. Dry kibble usually won’t cut it for this training session.

• High-Value Treats: Think freeze-dried liver, tiny pieces of cheese, or boiled chicken. My favorite freeze-dried liver treats

• The "Right" Toy: Klee Kai have small mouths. A standard tennis ball can be too big and heavy. Look for small, squeaky toys or mini tennis balls. Best mini-balls for small breeds

• A Clicker (Optional but Recommended): This helps mark the exact moment they do the right thing. Simple dog training clicker

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Step 1: The "Take" (Building Value)

First, we have to make the toy more interesting than the speck of dust they found on the carpet.

1. Sit on the floor with your dog.

2. Hold the toy out. The second their nose touches it or they grab it, click (or say "Yes!") and immediately give a treat.

3. Repeat this until they realize that touching the toy equals a snack.

4. Add the cue word "Take it" right before they grab it.

Pro Tip: If your Klee Kai ignores the toy, try playing with it yourself first. Act like it’s the most exciting thing in the world. Their FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) usually kicks in.

Step 2: The "Drop It" (The Hard Part)

This is where most Klee Kai struggles happen. They are prone to resource guarding or simply playing "Keep Away." You must teach them that giving up the toy results in a better reward.

1. Let them take the toy.

2. Present a high-value treat right in front of their nose.

3. As soon as they drop the toy to eat the treat, say "Drop it" or "Give."

4. Pick up the toy immediately while they are eating.

5. Repeat.

Crucial Rule: Never chase your Klee Kai to get the toy back. If you chase them, you have just started a game of Chase, and you will lose.

Step 3: The Baby Toss

Now we combine the two, but we keep the distance very short.

1. Toss the toy just a few inches away.

2. Encourage them to grab it.

3. Lure them back to you with a treat.

4. Ask for a "Drop it," reward them, and throw it again immediately.

The reward here is twofold: The treat AND the chance to chase the toy again.

Troubleshooting: "My Dog Runs After It But Won't Bring It Back"

This is the classic Klee Kai move. They run to the ball, look at it, look back at you, and sit down. Or worse, they grab it and run under the sofa.

The Fix: Backchaining.

If they won't bring it back, stop throwing it. Go back to playing tug or "Take it" within arm's reach. You can also try using two identical toys.

1. Throw Toy A.

2. When they grab Toy A, get excited and squeak Toy B in your hand.

3. They will likely run back to you to investigate Toy B.

4. Ask them to drop Toy A, then throw Toy B as the reward.

Keeping It Fun

Alaskan Klee Kai bore easily. If you drill this for 20 minutes, they will quit on you. Keep your training sessions to 5 minutes max, two or three times a day. Always end on a high note where they successfully fetch, get a jackpot of treats, and lots of praise.

Fetching is a great way to burn off that high Klee Kai energy, especially on rainy days when you can't go for a long walk. Be patient, keep your pockets full of treats, and happy training!