Trainer explains why you shouldn't play fetch with your dog, and we definitely didn't see this one coming (2024)

FAQs

Why shouldn't you play fetch with a dog? ›

So-and-so trainer is advising their clients to avoid playing fetch with their dog. They say it causes repetitive motion injuries, creates hyper-arousal, and is bad for dogs.”

They may not like the thing you're trying to get them to fetch. Some dogs might “have specific preferences as to the types of items they enjoy picking up and retrieving back to their person, including the texture, shape, and even weight of an item,” explains White.

It's a great source of exercise - Fetch is a great way to get your dog moving and burning off excess energy. It strengthens the bond between you and your dog - Playing fetch with your dog is a great way to bond with him and build a stronger relationship.

While occasionally playing fetch with a ball is not likely to cause lasting harm to a dog, repetitively chasing a ball day in and day out can have consequences both to a dog's physical health and to their mental well-being.

Not only can the activity be dangerous for the dog's limbs, especially the ligaments in the toes, wrists and knees, but if the ball is bouncing off in unpredictable directions we are also risking injuries to other parts of the body (bones, ligaments, joints and muscles).

The reward centers of their brains are then triggered and release dopamine, which is why they love playing fetch so much, it mimics the thrill of the hunt for them. Not all dogs will love to play fetch, this will depend on their breed and their temperament.

The way our dogs react to a game of fetch may be drastically different – some dogs will self-regulate well while others may continue to retrieve until they reach the point of exhaustion. Remember, fetch is not always going to be appropriate for all dogs so it's important to know your dog!

Fetch can be hard on your dog's body, but just because your pup has gone up in age doesn't mean that they no longer love their favorite game. You don't want to force your dog to run after the ball longer than their body can handle, and you don't want to encourage overplaying from your pet.

Most dogs would spend their days playing fetch or tugging a rope toy, but Hughes says that dogs need physical and mental stimulation to avoid boredom or unwanted behavior. Consistent walks help dogs mentally reboot.

Is it better to walk your dog or play fetch? ›

Experts say that you can take care of your dog's physical health by letting her play in your backyard, but walking her in the park is essential for her mental health. As a result, both balance your dog's overall health and keep her happy.

Labrador Retriever

When it comes to fetching, this breed's name says it all. Labs are highly spirited and love anything to do with the outdoors. Whether you throw a stick into a lake or a ball across the lawn, a lab will gladly bring it right back.

It's a Doggy Instinct to Fetch

Many dogs, including Labradors, were specifically bred to retrieve certain items for their human owners. Even now, that means that many dogs still have this ingrained disposition to chase after objects, pick it up in their mouth and bring it back to you.

Repeated, high energy ball throwing can cause behaviour problems in dogs. But it can also do a lot of physical damage… and often suddenly. Injury is common in dogs who chase balls frequently. Especially puppies who are not fully grown and have soft growth plates.

Similarly, some dogs may not have had experience playing with toys as puppies and just don't know what to do with a toy. Although fetch doesn't come naturally to every dog, it's a skill that can be taught!

The reward centers of their brains are then triggered and release dopamine, which is why they love playing fetch so much, it mimics the thrill of the hunt for them. Not all dogs will love to play fetch, this will depend on their breed and their temperament.

Fetching is a fun way for you and your new puppy to bond, and the right toy makes all the difference. Naturally, fetch toys should be able to fit in your puppy's mouth. Some veterinarians caution against using old sticks from the yard and recommend safer, chewable toys instead.

Ball launchers are not good for dogs. They encourage your dog to run at high speeds with little to no warm up for their joints, and results in sharp twists, turns and sudden braking which all put your dog at high risk of injury.

But when throwing the ball adrenaline is released for much longer than it should be. Increased adrenaline and cortisol levels, can mean that the dog struggles to settle and relax, it can increase the likelyhood of them chasing after another dog in that momen, and can increase reactivity in some cases.