What do you do when your dog loves to play with a ball, but he won't give the ball up in a game of catch? I tried to find other dogs that dhe could play with and that kinda failed when the other dog refused.I have set up another play date this weekend hopefully it works out. ? However, as straightforward as the concept seems, teaching your dog to play fetch may not run smoothly as one could expect. That’s one thing I haven’t really tried because Haley’s always been very food motivated. When we first got her I bought a little stuffed bird and worked with her to get her to go pick it up. They also would go get it, bring it over to me but not let go of it. Other than that, he is content to lay around all day and sleep or observe. If he fails three times, go back a step and make it easier for him by repeating the old step or breaking up the steps even more. It was the first time she showed interest in any sort of play. . Its so annoying …our Charlie had no problem playing and fetching. But the reason for this comment is that she doesn’t know how to play at all. I love getting all the feedback from people with multiple dogs. I wonder if play might look so strange for some dogs that we humans don’t recognize it. And he definitely does that terrier shake and kill with his stuffed toys. However, when indoors, she just likes to hang out and/or sleep. Try to relax and just work on the biggest issues first while giving her lots of love and calm reassurance. If he does, click/reward that. She will do what she feels needs to be done, like fetch Mort and bring him to me if he’s doing something she thinks he shouldn’t (no training, all nature). More Videos. I’ve heard some people say that Huskies would rather run and romp around with other dogs than play in the traditional sense, so I bet she’ll love the dog park or group play area when you visit. If he’s not bothered by being around other dogs, a play session with another pup might be helpful in bringing out his more playful side. She’s a very lucky girl to have found a wonderful home with you, Jackie. Anyway…. Your dog will not want to play if there is fear of punishment if he tries and does it “wrong.”. It’s interesting how different drives and motivations come into play. She could not fetch to save anyone’s life. I’m curious what you think about a dog that doesn’t like to play. . Control the game. When your dog is moving to put the toy in your hand from several inches, you can add your fetch word – fetch, bring it, toy, etc., Say the word as your dog is placing the toy in your hand. She is incredibly smart (she will train herself by just watching me train Mort to do something). I have a rescue his is Oreo he is 3 we have tried all kinds of toys no luck but he loves walks and me jumping behind him he gets excited and will twirle around till he is panting lol he is a cuddle bug that’s for sure he loves to lay with me and my husband and he loves to see his doggie friends up the road, Really informative article: Thanks for sharing it with us, Also, read this article: https://www.boredcesar.com/understanding-dog-emotions/, Your email address will not be published. Move the toy. She is not depressed; just uninterested. 10. I even put peanut butter on one, and she didn’t even lick it off. She’s very lucky to have been blessed with such a wonderful new home and caring people and it does sound like she’s really smart! I’m glad he likes stuffed toys now, those are Haley’s favorites too. She walks with or without a leash. . A friend of my husband and I is the only person who was able to get her to play with a human. She sounds like a very lucky girl to have found a loving home with you! However, if your dog is pretty well-adjusted and seems to have interested in toys but isn’t super excited about them, here are some tips to build drive. Always so important to choose the right dog and breed for your lifestyle then do early socialization and invest the time in play and training. There’s such a huge variety of dog toys: Balls of all shapes and sizes, squeaky toys, hard and soft rubber toys, stuffed toys, tug toys, treat-dispensing toys, throwing toys, etc. He never was touched with love, no freedom but a small box kennel. Both of my boys like to play but on different levels. Hi, Sandy! Your new pup sounds like a sweetheart and I’m sure she still needs some time to relax and adjust to her new home. Every time we try, she just wants to zoom off and explore. I don’t get it?? Patience is the key and don’t forget to celebrate the milestones along the way. Almost any dog can be taught to fetch and just about every dog will quickly learn to love it. The point is that your dog probably won’t instinctively run after a toy or ball and bring it back like the dogs in the movies. And this (motivation to do “x” ) is about nature, you can’t nurture around it necessarily. Potty training is a challenge that we are working on, but he hates to go outside of the house. You want your dog to place the toy in your hand and grabbing it can lead to them wanting to play tug instead. This is a great way to build a stronger relationship with your dog, so get goofy and start playing. Your email address will not be published. You want them to be successful so they find it fun! We would say go get your Birdie and she would and then carry it to her bed. Her previous owner just moved and left her (she is very smart, sweet and learns things so quickly). Most dogs will place the toy in your hand naturally, some may even let go. My little dog Phoebe is a rescue. Playing fetch is a great way to have fun with your dog and exercise him at the same time. If your dog is of the “sit and stare” variety, your first goal is to teach him to chase after the object you want him to fetch. He preferred to sleep and take a more relaxed approach to life. I think that it can be either nature or nurture it just depends on the dog. I’m so glad you mentioned your experience with Karli, because I didn’t think to mention how common it is for dogs to lose some interest in toys and playing when they get a little older. I can imagine her carrying around and chewing on a full sized carrot just like a bone, lol! I didn’t know about Rita’s history in Mexico. some dogs wont play fetch but may prefer a game of tug instead, your pup may be slightly insecure that may be why he wont go very far from you. Every dog has their toy preferences, so it’s a good idea to experiment with a variety of toys to find out what appeals to your dog. He is a very sweet, low-key, low maintenance fellow! Great post! Is it in their dog’s nature to not enjoy playing or did the dog owner not play very much (or at all) with their dog? She even tries to fake me out sometimes by looking at a lampshade and pretending there’s a little moth or bug inside of it. Most dogs have a preference to certain toys – here is a list of common “types” of toys that dogs find pleasing: Be exciting! This is a game, be excited when your dog is successful, quiet when he is not. We thought having her crated when we went out would help but apparently we may have a new problem. What Should You Do When Your Dog Growls at Someone? That’s an interesting point, Pamela. Ethel, being young, is into everything, and much in the middle! Hi So we have two dogs, they truly love playing fetch. I am not sure if this is a) just who she is b) mirrors our lifestyle (we are very active outdoors and relaxed indoors, c) she is still adjusting to her new home environment or a combination…. . If your dog does it – big party! You are so kind-hearted for rescuing your sweet girl and giving her a loving home, especially since she’s had a rough start in life. When a dog won’t fetch. Is it easier to train Earl for agility since he’s food motivated? Whether it’s introducing the parts of the game in segments or trying a new version of the game, there’s a way to go from “My dog won’t fetch” to “My dog loves fetch.” Breaking Down Fetch Refusal. are all out. I have a new puppy german shephard and we were playing ok for the first week and then she slowed down gradually. That was a about 3 years ago. Both were puppies when we got them. I’ll try a few of your tips, but I think her background really impacts her behavior. 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