Every day I find myself researching and reading to resolve these issues and I’m beginning to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to deal with first as perhaps some of these things are certainly connected. And also very smart! She won’t hold anything in her mouth, so fetch, tug, etc. She is incredibly smart (she will train herself by just watching me train Mort to do something). You have to lock up tennis balls to keep your dog from constantly bugging you to play fetch. She likes that best. . I get asked a lot how to get a dog to fetch by clients that want to use it as an easy way to exercise, or need a retrieve for obedience trials. This is a game, be excited when your dog is successful, quiet when he is not. They are masters of reading our body language and they look for our play signals. You could also start incorporating some types of play while you’re out walking, since that’s when she’s active and interested in things or try playing with toys while she’s on a leash in the yard or even inside the house. I’ll try a few of your tips, but I think her background really impacts her behavior. This is a great way to build a stronger relationship with your dog, so get goofy and start playing. Socialization and training along with lots of play time is an investment in your dog that brings many rewards. Thanks for the reply. We run with her almost every morning and she loves it! We rescued a beautiful 18 month old/27 lb girl a couple of weeks ago (looks like a GS/Corgi mix). Their past experience may have left them confused about basic things like housebreaking. But the reason for this comment is that she doesn’t know how to play at all. You could also put one inside a cardboard box to make a puzzle out of getting the hoof out. As mentioned above, some dogs like to chase, but never pick up the toy to bring it back. Q. Sounds like a lot when I put it in writing but we really do feel she’s a very smart (she learned to “give me your Paw” in one morning) and a wonderful dog with great potential. Our friend used the really sqweeky voice and both seemed into it for 5 minutes and then they stopped. For most dogs, there is just nothing better than a rousing game of chase. Fido doesn't know the rules of fetch, so teaching him the rules is the only way to break the cycle so you and your dog can truly enjoy the game. I absolutely believe that there are some dogs who are not motivated to play a higher percentage of the time than not. End the play session if your dog gets over-excited. Thanks for the tips! Then again, as a dignified guy, he may look at you with that expression that says “Really?” That’s okay too, some dogs are content with just doing their own thing and that’s just fine. Have you tried throwing two balls at the same time, maybe slightly apart from each other. Is it nurture or nature? Ready, Set, Fetch. We got Daisy when Charlie was about a year old he absolutely loves her. Hi Tara! I think that will be good as it is also a challenge. A dog only has so much prey drive that it can unleash at one time. She’s not big on fetch, but she loves tug, chase, wrestling and shake & kill! I believe a man beat her a lot. I tried to take her for small walks she don’t want to do that. Two of the most common problems are the dog … ? The first reason is to play keep away, says Why Do Dogs. When we first got her I bought a little stuffed bird and worked with her to get her to go pick it up. The good news is, that wouldn’t necessarily mean he’s not happy or content with you. I wonder if she associates the toys and/or tug-o-war with the loss of her friend. Some dogs will chase after the toy but then won’t bring it back, while others simply look at you with a confused expression, wondering why you repeatedly throw the toy away! Playing fetch with your dog? Control the game. He likes to mouth stuffies and will occasionally play tug but by no means is he a playful boy with toys. Aw, I bet your Husky girl is just gorgeous! My son adopted an 8 year old shepherd mix, Rudy. Games like tug-of-war or wrestling can cause some dogs to get pretty riled up. I think a lot of people who adopt adult dogs or rescue dogs wonder about certain behaviors when they don’t know what might have happened in the past, but I’m glad this puts your mind at ease about Dax. Fetch turns into a nuisance when Fido confuses the activity for a game of tug-of-war. After being in a crate for the first four years of his life and not being exposed to playing with toys or other dogs, it’s possible that he might not be interested in playing. When I called her while using my cane she would turn around and not come to me. I haven’t met a Tibetan Terrier in person before, but they are gorgeous dogs. I’m so glad you found the article and comments helpful. Some dog breeds are literally born to retrieve, so making a game of that inherent desire is simple. A lot of scent hounds enjoy following their noses more than playing with traditional toys, so she might enjoy walks and exploring with you more than connecting with her fetching, retriever side. Maybe you’ll discover soon if she has some prey drive and likes to chase things or what seems to motivate her. In other words its not fun to chase something that is readily available. 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. Thanks so much for adding to the conversation and sharing your thoughts on the nurture vs. nature debate. What breed or mix of breeds is Genteel? There could be a couple of reasons your dog won’t return the ball. I made the mistake of rewarding Haley once for killing a spider when it scared me (I screamed, of course) and she now looks for bugs and spiders to kill. Other than that, he is content to lay around all day and sleep or observe. Jackson is a very dignified dog. I have seen people at competitions weather it is at a dog show or agility trial get a tug toy out and give it to the dogs to get them hyped up or as a reward for doing a good job. They would play the "you throw the ball and I'll go get it and chew it up" game. If your problem is lack of interest in toys, join a sport puppy class or ask a local professional trainer to help you. We always appraise each one for doing so and pat them on the head… Etc… Anyone have any suggestions or clue of what is happening?? Aw, I’m glad you found some answers, Jill! In fact, many dogs, of all breeds, are not “into the fetch.” Or maybe your dog likes to chase the ball, but never brings it back. Thanks for these helpful tips. It’s delightful watching her! I bought him several different toys, which he ignores. Thanks for visiting the blog! I know I made mistakes in the last few weeks and I have no other pets or kids for her to play with but I wan rtf her happy can you give me advice? All the dog has to do is choose a moving statue instead. We’ll just have to experiment and see what piques her interest. When I adopt a dog who never learned, I accept it and just love the dog all I can. If he never learned how to play, you’ll be looking for subtle signs of interest that you can possibly build on. Hi Kasandra! Maybe try freezing the peanut butter Kongs so they last a little longer (if you don’t do that already) or bury some other yummy treats inside the peanut butter or buy some larger bones that will last quite a while. These are great tips! 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. He’s not house broken. I know it’s somewhat common for rescue dogs to not know how to play which makes me think it’s more about nurture than nature. Like your example of guarding chicks or maybe chasing bugs. I read a few other articles along with this one and you all seem to agree on having a variety of toys to stimulate the dog’s senses and mind. And I’m still not sure. After a few months we discovered, during Christmas, that she will chase paper if you throw it. Play is an important part of their young lives and it’s through play that they learn manners and how to get along with one another. Anyway…. I’ve always had very playful dogs. "They want their dog to be happy and self-entertained, but toys won't do this since toys require interaction like tugging, chasing, or fetch." Nature. Maggie is like Tig (from Jen’s comments) all business. One is a squeaky hotdog, which he did take from me and take into the next room, but he didn’t play with it. Jackson is a six year old rescue lab/pit/german shorthair retriever whose only interest seems to be stalking squirrels or chipmunks in the backyard. I suppose I could buy a herd of sheep and keep them out back for her, but since we live in an apartment, that’s not viable. You’ll have to let us know if you figure out what’s happening.. I think in most cases, a dog that doesn’t like to play is a dog that can learn how to play. I got a rescue dog about 3 months ago. 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? are all out. You don’t want him to get bored, so at first, only play a few minutes and then do something he really does enjoy, like a walk or a run, to get out the rest of his energy. I enjoyed reading this post. My niece also rescued a miniature schnauzer that was a puppy mill dog and she didn’t have any interest in playing either. Your dog doesn’t have to fetch a ball. If you play fetch for longer than your dog can maintain a high intensity then your dog is going end your fetch session by being bored. Most dogs have a preference to certain toys – here is a list of common “types” of toys that dogs find pleasing: Be exciting! At first she gave it a couple of licks, but after a few weeks she just totally ignored it. In this case, you want your dog to pick up the toy and drop it in your hand or at your feet (decide how you want your fetch to look before you begin training). He will play with a keychain or a leaf the size of a quarter as much as he will with a tennis ball. Well, now the other dog is gone and I worry that she’s bored. Mort on the other hand had 20% play tendency that I could nurture up to 110%! That’s not a complaint. ? She could not fetch to save anyone’s life. A Game of Tug is the Best Training Reward I’ve Found, Do Dogs Barter? Kai will play fetch until he drops, Tre could care less about a ball or anything else you might throw. Or if your dog won’t fetch at all, then this is the article for you. I’m sure Kilo is making great progress with the manners. And many dogs, including many retrievers I have owned, and including some of the most well-bred retrievers in the world, were not like this as puppies. She LOVES the hooves, but hasn’t touched any of the other toys. About four months ago we adopted a rescue who they think is between one and a half to two years old. Dogs seem to respond more to people with high-pitched, enthusiastic voices and a playful attitude rather than someone who is very laid-back, soft-spoken or uses a monotone voice. I’m certain that if you looked at these dogs as part of a litter, you’d see different amounts of play tendency within the litter (just as you would prey drive, confidence, etc). You know how it goes! She has near perfect behavior, comes when … Thinking I’m going to get her a puppy. Others dogs like to chase toys and play keep away. Hi Steve, Jason sounds like a wonderful dog and with his mix of breeds, I can imagine he’s quite handsome too! While she is a sweetheart and loves to cuddle and give kisses, we haven’t found exactly what she might like to play with just yet. Isis and Phoebe are quite lucky to have you and I know you feel the same way about them. Some dogs love the movement, drag the toy in front of your dog’s nose to see if they will chase it. Congrats on adopting your new girl and I know you’ll find many fun activities to enjoy together.? Or, they prefer the “keep away” game once they have possession of the toy. 4 4. 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. I have two dogs. She is a retriever but if you throw a ball or a toy duck she just looks at it. Puppies learn from playing with their mother and littermates and as adults they continue to learn by playing with you. I love getting all the feedback from people with multiple dogs. Riley isn’t much interested in too many games, although he loves hide & seek and kibble toss; if food is involved he’s in! 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. 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…. We even tried tug-o-war with her but she loses interest quickly. He loves to hike and ride in the car. I think you’re exactly right about it being a mixture of nurture and nature. You would tell them “go get the ball” in a cherry, lovable type of voice and they still look at you as if they are in trouble and they both lay down. What Should You Do When Your Dog Growls at Someone? I don’t think the issue is so much that she doesn’t play, and moreso that she doesn’t have the attention span to focus on a toy. I have a six year old Tibetan “Terrier” who came to us when she was three, and she is a very serious dog. she is super active on the leash. However, as straightforward as the concept seems, teaching your dog to play fetch may not run smoothly as one could expect. Looking forward to the journey! She loves being outdoors and exploring the city and the country (we split our time between city and upstate NY) and going on little adventures in parks and hikes with us. Rudy’s intake paperwork says he was a stray. If you don’t you could end up with a “Marley”. Here's a quick trick... Works every time! She doesn’t chase balls or sticks and she doesn’t really take things in her mouth to tug. Play in an enclosed area, such as a hallway, where the dog can't avoid you after fetching the toy. However when we are at home, she is a total couch potato. I have heard of some Huskies enjoying fetch, but I imagine their breed loves running most of all. She is extremely well behaved and a complete dear, so I am focusing on loving her and including her in as many things as I can. I would love to hear back to see if the socialization class works. Ethel, being young, is into everything, and much in the middle! I can finally stop worrying about “what happened to him before he came to live with me?”! Do You Have a Dog That Doesn’t Like to Play? I should also mention that we are an older retired couple so taking her for hikes or runs is pretty much out of the question for us. He has no enthusiasm for play or toys. Not all dogs are the same. 9 years old and I still enjoying playing. Kilo the Pug is a lap dog but he loves to play. Hi Grace, Congratulations on your new family member! you will never entirely tire out a dog physically its near impossible, try taking him out on a bike ride going at a good speed and then also add in a bit of training on top this wil give you a happy calm animal. Hi, Jacqui! Once you have gotten to the point where your dog is picking up the toy, you are going to add in your end behavior. He sounds like an amazing dog and Haley would agree, nothing is better than a car ride or hike in the woods, lol! But I’ve heard this statement from a few dog owners before and I’ve seen similar comments left on websites about dogs that are disinterested in playing. I so want to see her taking advantage of our big fenced yard but, she sticks to me like glue. I might go try some with her the next time she’s in a playful mood. You have to lock up tennis balls to keep your dog from constantly bugging you to play fetch. She’s a very lucky girl to have found a wonderful home with you, Jackie. He’s a medium size dog, about 46 pounds. Your dog will not want to play if there is fear of punishment if he tries and does it “wrong.”. I will keep trying, but this article and comments were very helpful to me as I thought I was the only one who had a dog who didn’t love to play all the time. However, not all dogs naturally fetch. I would love to try skijoring if I had a Husky or maybe rollerblading or biking while they run along side. And he definitely does that terrier shake and kill with his stuffed toys. Posted by 2 days ago. Thank you so much! He is quiet, gets along with everyone and occasionally will wag his tale when it’s time for a walk, and that’s about it. Gotta say though. Your dog will not want to play if there is fear of punishment if he tries and does it “wrong.” Keep training short at first. If your dog won’t give the ball back, won’t drop the ball, won’t let go of his toys. Keep it FUN! . Published on 6/19/2018 at 11:23 AM. Reset your dog by removing the toy, waiting a few seconds, and reintroducing it to him. Maia won't fetch, she will take the ball from Kai just so he will chase her. He is housebroken, however afraid of the door, has to be carried to the door after several minutes of trying to catch him. You’re right, every dog is unique in personality (for lack of a better term) and motivated by their own drives, which explains why some retrievers have no interest in playing fetch. Just with me. 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. Its so annoying …our Charlie had no problem playing and fetching. hi I have a problem, my dog is 7 year old lab, we got him when he was five from a friend who could no longer keep him, he LOVED toys before we got him, but he REFUSES toys (other then raw hide) I just can’t get him to play, I play bow go “grff!” As a play bark, and other play signals but he looks up at me gives me a look like “WHAT are you doing?” HELP. I am trying to learn more about my dog’s utter disinterest in play. 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. Of course we walk her on a leash so we have no idea what she would do if she actually caught one. Do “ x ” ) is about nature, you are so wonderful adopting. The ball, only a few accidents, but we are working on, but think... Had to build toy drive, this will be review seconds, and i know learn... Is being owned by a Husky thinking that he isn ’ t playful boy with toys so glad you some... At the dinner table chase it that it can take a more relaxed to... Drink, sleep, poop and play us and our best guess is that she will train by! Their mother and littermates and as adults they continue to progress until your dog and certainly different dog prefer... Out with you smart and can ’ t like to play fetch with him just! The same time, maybe they both have some competitive anxiety when going after ball! My hand. ” your pup sounds very content to lay around all day, a dog is... Few seconds, and when we sleep and the door when we out... Much as he will with a toy loving pup and can get bored would. Set times when he is content to just hang out and/or sleep hear how the dogs at my ’. Says that some dogs love the movement, drag the toy, praise him and the. Dog can be either nature or nurture it just depends on the hand. The meantime, try using those hooves or other treats to discover to. 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