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How to play with a dog that doesn't play?

Bailey Schuster
Bailey Schuster
2025-06-11 03:22:24
Count answers : 5
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When you do start trying to play, begin very, very low key. Don’t have big goals in mind, start by simply aiming to get your dog to touch an item with their foot. Even if they end up giving up straight away and walking off. The key thing to remember is that not all dogs like the same toy or treats, so just because it worked for your other dog or your friend’s dog, does not mean it will work for your dog. Think about making a list of what your dog loves / enjoys / dislikes on a daily basis e.g. if your dog loves to chase things in the park, then it is likely you can think about starting to introduce a chase game but with you involved. Do look at textures of what you are using and items you are trying to interact with. Some dogs can be very sensitive to texture and weight of items. With puppies, I actually often begin with a long, thin piece of ribbon – because it is so easy for them to pick up, to tug on, to touch and it isn’t offensive in any way. The second thing to remember is that you need to get rid of any of the stereotypical ways that you think a dog ‘should’ play.
Margarita Herzog
Margarita Herzog
2025-05-29 23:31:29
Count answers : 10
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If your dog or puppy is anxious or unwilling to engage with you, you can earn its trust through a slow, gentle process of socialization. Once your pet feels comfortable with you, it can learn to play and have fun. Start Slowly, there are several reasons a dog may not have learned to play, one common reason is a lack of early socialization. Some dogs don't play simply because no one has ever engaged in a game with them. Begin by slowly introducing it to toys and games, start by leaving the toys around to sniff and get used to, rather than immediately trying to engage in an all-out game of tug-of-war. Reward Interest, start off with soft praise or a treat for any interest your dog shows in toys, you can even hide a treat or spread a little peanut butter on a tug toy or a ball. Get Involved, once your dog is comfortable with the toys, it's time to start interacting with it, again, start slow, sit close to your dog and roll a ball toward it or shake a tug toy a little. Choose Games According to the Dog's Interests, not every dog is going to like every kind of game, try to choose games that best suit your dog's personality. Patience is your most important tool, it can take time for a dog to start to trust its owners and even more time for it to learn appropriate ways to interact.
Carli Jacobi
Carli Jacobi
2025-05-29 22:20:32
Count answers : 7
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Some dogs build their interest in retrieving over time, yet others never really get into it. In the latter case, you have to be creative regarding how to provide your dog with sufficient daily cardio exercise. If your dog is simply unfit and even overweight, it's only natural he's going to struggle with retrieving. Try different toys, too, before you lose hope in the retrieving game. A certain dog may not be attracted to fetching a ball or squeaky toy, but he may find a frisbee totally enjoyable, for example. If, however, your dog is showing command obedience, he's not unhealthy, and you have tried a variety of throw toys, it could be that your dog is simply not the fetching kind. Get your dog to run along beside you while you ride a bike. You can go as fast as you need to and for as long as necessary, depending on your individual dog's needs. Sometimes, however, you need to adapt the choice of exercise according to your dog's size. If you have a tiny dog, he'd most likely be satisfied with a jog around the block with you.