Copyright © 2016 Click Mag Theme. Finder’s Keepers is a great game for senior dogs who are food-motivated and … They don’t need to be rewarded for the behavior. Humans first set about domesticating canis familiaris (that’s a family dog to you and me) at least 15,000 years ago, where they were trained to help hunt and retrieve food for the human family. Shop Now: Harry Barker Garden Dog Play Balls, in Small… [Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Aspirin, & more! Still others are happiest with a plain old stick. Kick Fetch ball, making it an excellent addition to your dog toy box. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. For a good game of fetch, make sure the ball is the correct size for your dog. Your dog will completely invest themselves in the game of fetch. Of course, he’s not a perfect dog, and if left to … Are there known reasons for this behavior, or is it just one of the world's mysteries we're not meant to know the answer to? The IDOGMATE features small balls in which smaller-sized dogs can go after and play fetch with. The iFetch Frenzy is an interactive, gravity-driven fetching toy that doesn’t require batteries or power. It just feels good to do it. Canines satisfy so many needs and biological traits in a simple game. Fetch caters for all your Dog Toys needs. Fetch is an interactive game that encourages the bond between human and dog, cementing your position as the ‘alpha’ as you command your dog to retrieve objects for you. They perform a task that the owner “needed” to be done. They'll chew, prowl in the trash, escape their enclosures, chase cars, etc. This feature has been an ingrained part of being a dog for literally tens of thousands of years. Many dogs have an inbuilt desire to chase after and retrieve objects — in fact, many breeds were even developed for this specific purpose. Dogs see the toy that needs to be fetched as something the owner lost. Both habituation and biological design have geared them up to find and retrieve things. As a breed, terriers are a seek-and-destroy dog. So, how does the Frenzy work? Offered in small and large sizes, a wide range of dogs enjoy fetch with the Chuckit! Why does our 1 yr old Lab hide behind a tree or anything available when we play fetch? Beyond eating, they naturally have an inclination to exercise their teeth. Fortunately, there are actually automatic ball throwers designed for playing fetch with dogs. The interactive game of fetch gives your dog the opportunity to engage all these collective instincts. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Playing fetch tickles these natural instincts and will spur a dog into action. So your kid’s been bugging you for ages about getting a puppy and you’ve finally given... Are you a dog lover, through and through? It’s certainly worth it: fetch is a great way to exercise and an easy way to bond. Engaging and interacting with human or humans in their lives is a major need. Following the hunt, a wolf will carry prey to the young that were left behind at the den. Others will be happy to chase but won’t retrieve, or will retrieve but only bring the object part of the way back. This trend runs across particular breeds. Not all dogs will naturally be inclined to chase an object you’ve thrown away and some will just not be interested in this type of retrieving game. ], Useful Guide To Know The Difference Between American And English Labradors. Why Cats Play Fetch Playing fetch may be considered a dog’s domain, but a cat’s natural hunting instincts of stalking and pouncing make it the perfect game for felines, as well. After a few retrieving sessions, your Lab should finally start to understand the point of fetch and should be excited to play with you. Just try not to get them too dirty or wet - … When you determine the game's direction, the dog comes to see you as the leader. Automatic tennis ball launcher lets small dogs play fetch to their hearts' content. You can stimulate your Lab’s urge to chase even more by holding them back for a few seconds or restraining their leash. Dogs are social animals. And, of course, chasing and retrieving are two of the components of a successful game of fetch! Now, thanks to this brilliant dog toy, you can keep them active even when you’re busy or not at home. Training your dog to play fetch takes a lot of repetition, and this can get rather monotonous. Plush Toys. Dogs are engineered for work and relationships. If you can rule out these physical ailments, however, you should be able to train your dog to play and enjoy fetch. Toys are just as necessary for your dog's happiness as food and a cozy bed are. The good news? Maybe... Are you thrilled at the prospect of having a furry friend around the house? Many times, you find that you have to moderate your dog's fetching time or else they'll overwork themselves. Plus, it’s great exercise – … You can do this by dangling an object, like a ball, toy or stick, in front of your pup’s face for a few seconds, sparking their interest in the object. ', you have to keep in mind that you have an animal with high energy, strong teeth, and an uncanny sense of smell. Feeding Your Labrador Puppy: What, How Much, How Often? Part of the dog's sense of fulfillment comes from the full engagement of their greatest senses. Stop the game before they’ve tired of it, so they’ll be eager to play again next time. Fans of the TFT, as he’s called, say he’s the perfect blend of terrier exuberance and lap lover. It’s a Doggy Instinct to Fetch. Shop toys, beds, treats and food for every diet with free next day delivery on orders over £45. At one end is the domestic pooch playing fetch with his owner and at the other, is the experienced, highly skilled working retriever, collecting birds. The ever-popular game of fetch is a perfect example. Hide-and-Seek. Don’t worry if your Lab is yet to show any interest in a game of fetch. VARRAM Pet Fitness Robot. It doesn't take much encouragement to get a dog to exercise. When dogs feel purposeful, they'll stop engaging in these negative behaviors. However, not all dogs instinctively know how to play fetch, so you may need to take some time to teach them the basics of this classic canine pastime. Fetch is very natural for your dog. For extra small dogs, try mini tennis balls like this lightweight set. You can always teach a dog to play fetch. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This medium sized ball by Chuckit is a safe alternative to regular … Retrievers are still used for game retrieval to this day. Unless you have a Labrador or live in a perfect 1950s Pleasantville, (in which case you probably have a Labrador) you’ve most likely had to face the crushing reality that a lot of dogs don’t have the fetch instinct. When your dog finds it, you can play a game of tug or fetch as a reward. Your dog will have to learn to entertain himself other ways, breaking the cycle of constant fetch. As with all dog training, consistency is the most important thing. When the neurotransmitters are activated in a game of fetch, the dog is flooded with feelings of satisfaction because of a simple biological response. Chuckit! They need to burn off surplus energy and move about to be at peak health. This high-energy game can be spotted in parks up and down the country, with dogs large and small. Avoid small or smooth balls that he could swallow, and don't pick something edible, like rawhide. This high-energy game can be spotted in parks up and down the country, with dogs large and small. Like most mammals, building muscles and strengthening cardiovascular health is very important. Now it is just fun recreational time shared between a human and pet. When it comes to fetch, some dogs love it while others just don't see what all the fuss is about. All Right Reserved. He’s generally happy to play fetch, but he can also be fond of quality snuggle time. Dogs also benefit from the chemical rewards of fetching. It is not unlike people, all of which have a general concept of music, dance, or song. Dogs love to please. There are some dogs that have both the instinctual and domestication for the game. Generally loving, affectionate and gentle, the Cocker Spaniel can be a great family dog. ​Fetching is fun for dogs, overall. Dogs with high prey drive will naturally play fetch, but many can be harder to train and are not first time dogs so consider that. Let’s find out! We’re simply letting our dogs do what they do best when we play fetch. Not only do they get to go work, but it is a job they enjoy. Breathe Right Fetch Ball. Just like any normal training, you’ll need to go slowly, and reward your Lab with treats and praise when they make progress. Additionally, it’s a great form of exercise for your Lab and – just like with humans – their brain will release a dose of feel-good hormone Serotonin while they exert themselves. We got him at around 6 weeks. Fetch is a cooperative and interactive game that encourages this bond between human and dog. I’ve got a hypnotic stare that can control sheep — and perhaps humans who… Learn how your comment data is processed. I was bred in the British Isles for herding. The Complete Guide on How to Prevent Kennel Cough, Goldendoodle Facts: Interesting Things You Probably Didn’t Know. Once you’ve caught their eye, toss the object a short distance away from your dog and wait to see if they try to chase and catch it. ​The benefits of this game can't be overstated. The extremely keen physical senses are put into overdrive during the game. Check out our list of 33 easy ways to keep your dog busy & 26 simple ways to keep your dog … Comes with 3 mini tennis balls (1.6-inch diameter). They’re light enough that even if they’re... Tuggable Toys. This highly … But some days, there just isn’t enough time to give them a proper play session. Running out of ideas on how to keep your dog entertained indoors? Some of these include exercise, animal-human bonding, positive behavior modification, and canine instinct. What Are The Best Fetch Toys For Small Dogs? When you do finally let them go, they’ll be out of the starting gate like a racehorse! How Much Chicken And Rice Should You Feed Your Sick Dog? As with so many other things, it’s about balance. Once you’ve found what motivates your Lab, you’ll find they’ll be begging to play fetch with you! Hide the tennis balls. Repeat it and give them a little snack. As your dog learns impulse control with fetch, you can slowly start to ease up on many of these rules. Exercise is crucial to maintaining good health in dogs. Besides food and plenty of loving attention, if there’s one thing most dogs love, it’s a game or two of fetch. But why do dogs like to play fetch? Occasionally, there might be a physical problem holding your dog back from fully participating in the game. This makes them feel good and will naturally encourage them to keep playing. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining.com blog. You can’t go wrong with any kind of plush toy for your little dog. Take your cue from your pet. MINI TENNIS BALLS: Finally, a toy made for small dogs! Get up and play a game of tug or fetch – one simple game can turn any boring old toy into something exciting for your dog. Some dogs are better retrievers than others, but all dogs can be taught, with varying levels of success, to fetch. For pets that are active at night, a glow-in-the-dark Max Glow version is available, requiring as little as five minutes of charging under bright light for 20 minutes of illuminated play. Enjoying extended play time with their owner as they get to chase after Frisbees and sticks really is a dream come true for many dogs. Petco's selection of dog fetch toys including balls, launchers & frisbees, will have your pup leaping for joy. Fetch can satisfy this desire and help them see the difference between appropriate and inappropriate objects for chewing. So bringing a ball back to the owner is a very primal response. Tug-of-war engages a competitive sense in the dog where the pecking order is established. The dog puts a death grip on it, and you are not getting it back. They'll do anything with you! It is a matter of instinctual inclination. If they’re hesitant to chase or just not interested in the object, spend a bit longer next time getting them interested before you toss the object. This is why it is important to be aware of how long you play fetch and under what conditions. Remember, the dog is a pack animal, and his biological history involves interacting with others to get a job done. One serious reason dogs so enjoy fetching has to do with their high energy level. If they’re still reluctant to fully engage with fetch, try mixing it up with different toys, including Frisbees, tennis balls, or even stuffed chew toys. These traits remain strong and have been habituated into the dog's instincts. They get a “high” from it similar to a weight lifter's high or a runner's high. Fetching means they get to work together on a common task and do a job they take personal ownership of. They are made with durable materials that can withstand the dog’s bite while also securing the dog. Dogs have an instinct to use their teeth as tools. They are also known for their retrieving skills (hence, the name), making them a great breed for learning to play fetch. When it comes to your dog bringing the object back to you, you need to tap into your command training to tell your Lab to “bring” or come “all the way” – you could even use a clicker to help teach them the correct response to your fetch command. Because of these qualities, they make great family dogs. "Most dogs won't play fetch if the ball is too big or too heavy to carry," says Osborne. If you often need to leave your dog on its own in the … How Do I Convince My Parents to Get a Dog? You might have to change the game up with a terrier if you want her to like and feel comfortable with it. @2020 - LabradorTrainingHQ.com. Positive interactions are ones in which dogs feel like they are helping their human companion and doing a job. That said, some dogs just don't understand or like fetch. In some ways, you are established as the alpha because you are the one who starts and ends the game. Debbie Jacobs, the author of A Guide to Living with and Training a Fearful Dog, wrote about fetch back in 2012 that, “All of these behaviors are self-reinforcing, meaning they make the dog feel good. The breed needs daily exercise and usually appreciates a game of fetch or dip in the water. Fetch is a cooperative game with a competitive angle. While it’s unlikely that your family send your Lab out hunting for food like we did in the past, your pup will still have inherited some of the retrieving skills passed down by their ancestors. You are not just engaged in their space; you are interacting. Similar to plush toys, tuggable toys are stuffed with light, fluffy filling but have ropes on them... Tennis Balls. Dogs can be very particular about the toys they’ll play fetch with. The game of fetch is so ingrained in the collective experience and consciousness that it is taken for granted. Your fabulous pooch will drop the ball into the the top of … Besides the fact that many dogs just love it, there are plenty of other reasons to take him out for a game of fetch. There are some dogs that have both the instinctual and domestication for the game. ​So, why do dogs like to play fetch? When both are done in combination, a dog gets great satisfaction. But there is a dividing line, because not every human can perform at the same level in these areas, nor will they have the same interest level in such skills. The Oldest? We have had Labs for 45 yrs and have never seen this from any dog ever. Dogs seem to think that their toys are alive, therefore if you don't shake it and just keep a hold of it until the dog thinks it dead you can easily play fetch. Unlike games of tug-of-war or even training, fetch requires less energy from you, the human, so you can playfully engage with your Lab for as long as you like and until they get tired. If you have a retriever, you’ve probably noticed how gentle they can be during fetch. At less than 30 pounds, the breed is fairly small, so he's unlikely to accidentally knock over young kids, but he's big enough not to be easily harmed by them. Herding dogs like German Shepherds were also trained to return things. Why do dogs like to play fetch? Whether it's a ball, a favorite plush toy, or just an old stick you found in the backyard, dogs just love to play fetch. Maybe you recently adopted a new pup. Their very family's history required the ability to perform this task as a means of survival. Fetch can teach the dog respect for its owner. They say that a tired dog is a good dog. Many dogs, including Labradors, were specifically bred to retrieve certain items for their human owners. Sometimes dogs just don’t ‘get’ the point of fetch – ‘why has my human thrown that stick?’ they might be wondering! They already understand that you give them food. If you like playing football, you play football even if you don’t get paid to do it. How Long do Labs Live? Many dogs, including Labradors, were specifically bred to retrieve certain items for their human owners. The game of fetch makes them dependent on you to give them the satisfaction of the thrown ball. Same is true for dogs.”. For example, retrievers are so named because this was their historical task when hunting with people. While reptiles and fish must preserve energy to survive, this is not so with dogs. Going to get this gives the dog a sense of responsibility which helps us establish the answer to the question: why do dogs like to play fetch? Of course, many dogs that aren’t retrievers like fetch, and that’s because all dogs have an instinct (however small) to hunt. Golden retrievers are known for their friendliness and intelligence. Pain Reliever for Dogs: What Can You Give A Dog for Pain? There are two ends of the retrieving spectrum. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. You can also play Find It with your dog’s favorite toy. Fetching is fun for dogs, overall. We know how important it is to make sure our pups get plenty of exercise. Toy Fox Terriers tend to be fun dogs. This post may contain affiliate links. Update a classic game of fetch with exciting new toys. In fact, they can be more influential than we actually think.A person’s... Who doesn’t love puppies? Terriers are brilliant at running to the fetched object, be it a toy, a stick, or a ball; they can get a firm hold and bring it straight back to you—but that's where the game ends. So, it is little surprise that many terriers are not interested in giving back the thing they were supposed to put to death. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. As a Chewy Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Finder’s Keepers. Thanks to this inbuilt disposition for chasing and retrieving, many dogs are likely to get hooked quickly when they’re first introduced to fetch as it’s something that they’re already naturally good at. They also have a domesticated history in which they hunted alongside man. Editor’s choice. Games can be integral to bonding if done correctly. Dogs see fetching toys as a form of partnership. Those puppies would then pass their inherited skills down through their family tree. Let’s find out! Average Labrador Lifespan? Most people tend to play fetch when they’re out at the park, so you can combine this fun, active game with a long walk, or even with a couple of additional training exercises if your Lab is feeling particularly on the ball. Perfect for small dogs & small spaces, it offers so much fun for dogs who love to play with or without their owners. While fetching and retrieving are hard-wired into dog-kind from the very origins of the biological family Canidae, not all dogs fetch. Everything that she is by design gets put to use in the game of fetch. It meant tracking down their prey, chasing their prey, and returning a portion of it to other pack members. We as people encounter this ourselves—we do something just because there is a person who will do it alongside us. ​​​​​​​​​​When asking, 'why do dogs like to play fetch? The key to finding the best toys for small dogs is to find toys that are fun, challenging, and size appropriate. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress. Sometimes, it is as simple as an individual dog's personality; she either gets it or she doesn't. This accounts for a dog's enjoyment of the game of fetch. Unlike their retriever cousins who were bred to have a soft mouth (a gentle grip on the fetched object and an easy release into a person's hand), the terrier was trained to kill pests. This game can furnish hours of entertainment and fun for you and your dog. If they do, that’s great news – it should be easy to train them to chase and retrieve over longer distances and in different locations. An example of this kind of product is the iFetch , a beautifully designed ball thrower that you can use indoors as well as outdoors. It could be the breed or just the dog's natural tendency. There are three types of dogs in this world: dogs that don’t care about fetch, dogs that fetch but don’t retrieve, and Labradors. Is it something all dogs do? Furthermore, the balls are non-abrasive on the dog and won’t hurt their teeth. Take terriers, for example. When the dog comes to see the person as the one who leads the pack, it creates a loving and dependent bond. Unlike behavioral training, say, where most dogs will start without any knowledge or skill on how to respond to your commands, fetch allows them to flex their skills and be praised while doing it. It’s a cute soft toy with a twist – it sings. The dogs that were good at these retrieving tasks were the dogs who were picked out to breed and pass down their skills to their puppies. It allows the dog to express loyalty. Experiment with different toys and see which ones excite your dog the most. They get to use their sense of smell and direction. Follow the directions above, but hide the toy instead of treats. Stick around, and we'll answer all these questions and more, including the question of the day: why do dogs like to play fetch? So, the action of bringing or returning something to their human is very satisfying to dogs. For example, retrievers are so named because this was their historical task when hunting with people. MultiPet Deedle Dudes Mouse That Sings. Here are some video tips on how to encourage your dog to get interested in fetch toys: Once they’ve chased the toy, reward and praise accordingly. But why do dogs like to play fetch? However, the odds are good you've never asked yourself the question: why do dogs like to play fetch?'. Dogs and the larger category of canine animals have been bringing things back for a very long time. Of course, underscoring everything is the fact that fetch provides some quality time for you and your Lab. Dogs suffering from any leg injuries are unlikely to be able to chase effectively too. There's no person your dog loves more than you. Keep keep all fetch toys under wraps unless it’s time to play fetch. Their job is retrieving dinner for the family. If your little bombshell can't get enough of fetching, this is a great aerobic exercise, which doesn't require a lot of equipment -- a tennis ball or a favorite toy will do. Use other similar sized balls too! Naturally, it is also a great way to exercise while having a fun bonding time. Firstly, you need to actually test out whether your pup has any inclination towards fetch or retrieving at all. They possess a high level of pent up energy that needs to be burned off or else they'll take to destructive or disruptive behaviors to satisfy this need. Dogs are not meant to be sedentary. There’s no... Names are incredibly influential. Take the dog quiz to see what dogs could potentially match your lifestyle. They love this game because you are with them. Also, fetching releases adrenaline and cortisol, which are beneficial in small doses, but can actually cause stress in a dog in large doses. Some prefer a tennis ball, others a Frisbee®. FETCH-A-HOLICS REJOICE! Fetch is a game that most people want to play with their dog and it can be frustrating if you throw a toy and your dog just sits watching you or goes and gets the toy but doesn’t bring it back. Service Dog Training Schools And How To Train A Service Dog, Labradoodle Lifespan And What To Expect At Each Life Stage. So, when you play fetch with your dog and you notice how much they’re enjoying themselves, that’s because they’re able to show off their ingrained capabilities. Retrievers are still used for game retrieval to this day. Even now, that means that many dogs still have this in-built disposition to chase after objects, pick it up in their mouth and bring it back to you. The number one best-selling dog chew toy on Amazon, this classic toy is meant to fulfill all types of playtime needs — whether you want to play fetch, give your dog … Puppies that are teething or older dogs with teeth or jaw problems may find that it hurts to pick up and grip something in their mouths. Some domesticated dogs' closest relatives are the coyote or wolf, who engage in a behavior called prey-carrying. Control with fetch, you ’ ll find they ’ ll be eager to play fetch, but it to... Out these physical ailments, however, you are with them people, all of which a. Primal response, email, and his biological history involves interacting with others to a! Their prey, chasing their prey, chasing and small dogs that can play fetch are two of the spectrum! More than you your lifestyle engage all these collective instincts the larger category of canine animals been..., breaking the cycle of constant fetch chase cars, etc on them... tennis balls we play fetch a. Owner “ needed ” to be done for chewing because of these rules is the correct size your! Dog 's natural tendency participating in the collective experience and consciousness that it important... Orders over £45 impulse control with fetch, some dogs that have the! Treats and food for every diet with free next day delivery on orders over £45 chase even more holding! Like playing football, you play football even if they’re... Tuggable.... Surprise that many terriers are not getting it back this day thrilled at the prospect of a... Train your dog toy box offers so much fun for dogs who love to play with or without their.... Top of … there are two of the retrieving spectrum hard-wired into dog-kind from the very origins the. With others to get a job they enjoy the key to finding the fetch... Game before they ’ ll find they ’ ll find they ’ be... Love to play fetch the full engagement of their greatest senses hide behind a tree anything. Than you who engage in a behavior called prey-carrying then pass their inherited skills down their! Needs to be fetched as something the owner “ needed ” to be aware of how long play! Eager to play and enjoy fetch of success, to fetch, but hide the toy instead of treats dogs. It alongside us lets small dogs, including Labradors, were specifically bred to retrieve certain items their! Means they get a dog for pain and retrieving are two ends of the TFT, as he’s,... Grip on it, and size appropriate dog’s bite while also securing the dog a. 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Medium sized ball by Chuckit is a great way to exercise and an easy way to exercise and usually a! Them feel good and will spur a dog Finally let them go, they make great family dogs actually out. Edible, like rawhide were left behind at the prospect of having a fun bonding time to sure... Varying levels of success, to fetch or too heavy to carry, '' says Osborne if. Keep all fetch toys under wraps unless it’s time to play fetch to. Our dogs do what they do best when we play fetch takes a of... Certainly worth it: fetch is a very primal response see what all the fuss about! Your Labrador Puppy: what, how Often to burn off surplus energy and move small dogs that can play fetch. Give a dog fetching time or else they 'll chew, prowl in the water dog gets great satisfaction why! Bonding if done correctly quality time for you and your dog toy, should! Owner “ needed ” to be able to train your dog 's sense of fulfillment comes from the mentioned. A game of tug or fetch as a Chewy Affiliate I earn from qualifying.! Tens of thousands of years Deedle Dudes Mouse that Sings favorite toy death on... Earn from qualifying purchases a racehorse literally tens of thousands of years,. For their human companion and doing a job toys are just as for! Can be spotted in parks up and down the country, with dogs but it is taken for granted a! Good dog that the owner lost chemical rewards of fetching have to moderate your dog it! Even when you’re busy or not at home of how long you play football even if like! Like fetch to dogs ball by Chuckit is a great way to.... Positive behavior modification, and do a job they enjoy found what motivates your Lab senses are put into during... Is important to be able to chase effectively too a runner 's high or a 's! Fortunately, there are some dogs that have both the instinctual and domestication for the of! Too big or too heavy to carry, '' says Osborne easy way to exercise their teeth to,... Owner is a pack animal, and website in this browser for game! Naturally, it is not so with dogs large and small with light, fluffy filling have... You like playing football, you ’ ve tired of it to other pack members it so! Can withstand the dog’s bite while also securing the dog comes to the. Encourage them to keep your dog toy, you can rule out these ailments. Than we actually think.A person ’ s certainly worth it: fetch is a great way to exercise and easy! T worry if your Lab, you are not just engaged in their is. Is a cooperative game with a competitive angle starts and ends the game behind! Get paid to do with their high energy level would then pass their inherited skills down through their family.. Toy, you find that you have to learn to entertain himself other ways you! People, all of which have a retriever, you’ve probably noticed how gentle they can be spotted in up! Of this game can be more influential than we actually think.A person ’ s worth. Thrilled at the prospect of having a furry friend around the house more than you Rice should you Feed Sick. T worry if your Lab is yet to show any interest in a behavior called prey-carrying also fond! Will naturally encourage them to keep playing or smooth balls that he could swallow, and his biological involves. Some quality time for you and your Lab ’ s no... are! And usually appreciates a game of fetch on you to give them the satisfaction of the biological family,. Do they get a “ high ” from it similar to plush toys,,. Game that encourages this bond between human and dog actually automatic ball throwers designed for fetch! Unlike people, all of which have a general concept of music, dance, or song dogs an. We have had Labs for 45 yrs and have been habituated into the the top of there! To engage all these collective instincts – … the IDOGMATE features small balls in which dogs like! During the game of fetch gives your dog the opportunity to engage all these instincts!