Human beings love ranking their favourite games. From playground games when were a kid, to different sports that we learn to enjoy growing up. Youtube is full of lists of favourite boardgames, video games and puzzles and we have thousands of options to choose from in each category. Ask most dogs what their top five games are, and they’d likely be Fetch, Fetch, Fetch, Fetch, and Backgammon – no wait, it’d be Fetch again. But is playing fetch bad for your dog? Let’s take a look…
What a fine, fetching dog!
Long story short, no, fetch is not bad for your dog. It’s a game they love, it gives them exercise and it helps to strengthen the bond between pet and owner. That being said, there are bad ways to play fetch and that’s something for us humans to be mindful of. So in the rest of this post, we’ll list the ways that you can ensure fetch remains a fun and healthy game for dog and human alike.
For a start, you need to judge if your dog is playing fetch because they want to play fetch, or if they need to play it. Dogs can suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and this is something that needs to be diagnosed by a professional. But a dog with OCD can become demanding and even aggressive when playing fetch, often refusing to stop despite their obvious exhaustion. If you witness behaviour like this, then you need to consult a vet. There are lots of things that can trigger this issue with dogs and you’ll need to work out what that issue is, and in the meantime, the game should be put on the back burner for a while.
There’s also the matter of what you’re throwing for your dog. Dog toys are made specifically to be played with by canine mouths and are usually perfectly safe. Certainly a lot safer than sticks which can bounce in unusual ways or have sharp ends that can injure your dog. There are some true horror stories out there so don’t rely on sticks – balls and other dog toys are a much better bet.
Lastly, it’s worth thinking about space when you play fetch. You know not to throw the ball near any other people (who may not be fans of dogs) but consider other exercising pets too. Throw a ball too close to another dog and they’ll think it’s for them and this can lead to vicious fight between two otherwise mild-mannered pups. Dogs are territorial beasts after all.
With all of that taken into account, you can go back to playing a good game of fetch with your dog and worry no more about it – just keep all of the above in mind. And to reward your dog for a game of fetch well played, pick out some of our tasty treats today.
Really Nice i like your article. Thank You for sharing
Fetch is a really good way to reward your dog when training. A command ‘sit’, ‘lay down’ etc intermittent with the fun of fetch is a great fun way for your dog to learn.
My dog is now 15 and a half, he has never liked fetch much, so much so we always took a bag for the ball as it was all yucky. He never picked it up more than three times, but if somebody else threw a ball for their dog he chased after it. Contrary or what, he still runs for food but refuses walks, so he has a long garden.
My little Bichon is 6 years old and up until last year she looked at me as if I was stupid when I threw a ball, stick or toy outside. In the house she occasionally wanted to play but never outside. That was until earlier this year when I bought her some new (cheap) tiny squeaky footballs. She still won’t play fetch but she will engage in a little game of “football” where I kick the ball and she will run after it but then wants me to tackle her! It only took me 6 years to find out exactly how she likes to play. 😂🤣😂
So sweet. They’re always teaching us new things about themselves! Give her a big cuddle from us.
Can you play fetch two log my retriever won’t stop once she starts running for a ball have to calm her down my self she acts like she is crazy can’t stop jumping up at me to get her that ball
My 20month old jack Russell will only play with her balls at home but will happily chase other dogs balls in the park luckily she don’t keep them long
When playing ball I always take the last ball and say, ‘Last One’ then keep it out of sight when he brings it back. Never had a problem of him then wanting to go on playing. He rests then, knowing the game is finished for a time while he recovers.
Great idea thanks I’ll use this when I start training fetch to my puppy
I just wish my 6month puppy will eat dog food
Oh I am so relieved to hear there’s someone else with this problem. I’m tearing my hair out 3 times a day trying to feed him! I have tried everything. If he eats it today he won’t eat it again tomorrow. He only eats dog biscuits when starved. Wet food no chance.
Beware playing with tennis balls. The surface of the ball is rough like sandpaper and can wear down a dog’s teeth if they mouth the ball a lot. I learnt by my mistake and have a border terrier with badly worn down teeth. He still loves playing fetch but with an appropriate rubber ball.
Oh I am so relieved to hear there’s someone else with this problem. I’m tearing my hair out 3 times a day trying to feed him! I have tried everything. If he eats it today he won’t eat it again tomorrow. He only eats dog biscuits when starved. Wet food no chance.