How to work on your dog's impulse control?
To teach impulse control, it’s a good idea to start by teaching a few basic behaviours first, such a Read More
Is it okay to play fetch with your dog every day?
Odell Jenkins
2025-08-15 04:32:37
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Playing fetch often with your dog can actually be a detriment to their health. As long as its not hot out, I will throw the ball for him for about a half hour. This article seems to indicate that playing fetch that often and for that long of a time can have a negative impact on my dog due to their cortisol levels spiking while they're playing. When an animal hunts in the wild, after that adrenaline rush, he sits down to eat his meal and lets the hormones wear off. But when we throw the ball, we throw several times each session. Imagine bungee jumping several times over. Imagine taking that many shots of steroids, every day. I'm now worried to keep using fetch as a primary form of exercise, but also concerned about my pups mental health if I suddenly stop playing fetch with him at least 6 times a week.
Whitney Cole
2025-08-06 06:35:16
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Fetch can indeed be a part of a healthy, active lifestyle for dogs, provided it's not the only form of interaction and exercise they receive. The key, as with many things, lies in moderation. However, repetitive motion and the high-impact nature of the game can lead to joint and spine issues, such as early-onset arthritis or injuries that could sideline a dog from activities they enjoy. This is particularly concerning for young puppies and high-drive dogs, who may push themselves beyond their physical limits. Incorporating alternative games that engage a dog's mind as well as their body is crucial. Fetch isn't inherently good or bad. Like many aspects of pet care, it's about finding balance and understanding the unique needs and limits of your furry companion. By varying activities and focusing on the mental and physical well-being of our dogs, fetch can remain a fun part of a larger, more comprehensive approach to play and exercise. It's not about discarding fetch entirely but about integrating it thoughtfully into our dogs' lives.
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Is fetch mentally stimulating for dogs?
Chasing a ball, locating it by scent or sound, and problem-solving during a game helps challenge you Read More
Marcos Boyer
2025-08-02 04:33:31
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: 19
Too much constant excitement could lead to hyperarousal and have physical and mental health consequences. Playtime is part of a joyful life. By giving him several fetch sessions each day, he gets to enjoy his favorite activity, but not for such duration that it overstimulates him. As an athletic dog, he loves to run after a ball or Frisbee and return it to me. I accommodate him for a long period of time if I am cleaning the barn because that chore takes a long time, or for shorter periods if I have other things to do. If he slows down a bit or begins losing interest in the toy, I wait for him to fetch it one last time. Teaching your dog an “off switch” cue not only helps your dog relax, but it gives you some time to relax as well, rather than always having to tend to your dog’s entertainment.
Jared Larkin
2025-07-22 00:38:50
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When my wife and I adopted Bruno, a chocolate Labrador, the foster family told us that he would play fetch for hours. Too much constant excitement could lead to hyperarousal and have physical and mental health consequences. By giving him several fetch sessions each day, he gets to enjoy his favorite activity, but not for such duration that it overstimulates him. As Bruno repeatedly fetches the toy, I watch the speed of his return, or if he drops the toy to sniff about. If he slows down a bit or begins losing interest in the toy, I wait for him to fetch it one last time. Teaching your dog an “off switch” cue not only helps your dog relax, but it gives you some time to relax as well, rather than always having to tend to your dog’s entertainment.
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How do you teach impulse control?
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How to work on dog reactivity at home?
You can work on calm behaviours throughout your day – teach them to wait for their food, settle down Read More