Is Your Furry Friend a Ball-Chasing Maniac?
Dogs love to play, and for many of them, nothing is more fun than chasing a ball. It’s a simple game that can provide hours of entertainment for both the dog and the owner. However, there are some dogs that take ball chasing to a whole new level – they become obsessed. If you have an insanely obsessed ball dog, you know how frustrating it can be. Your dog has boundless energy and will chase the ball anywhere, at any time, leaving you feeling like a tail-chasing fool. Fear not, though! In this blog post, we’ll show you some tips and tricks to handle your ball-chasing maniac with ease.
Curb the obsession, but how?
1. Establish boundaries
Obsessed ball dogs have little concept of boundaries when it comes to ball chasing. They’ll chase the ball anywhere and everywhere, regardless of what else is going on around them. As their owner, it’s up to you to establish boundaries for the game. Designate an area where they can play and make sure they stay within it. You might want to invest in some fencing to create a boundary if you don’t have a suitable area already.
2. Mix it up
Obsessed ball dogs can get bored quickly, especially if they’re playing the same game every day. Try to mix it up a bit and introduce new games and toys into their playtime routine. Try throwing a frisbee or playing tug-of-war. Introducing new games can keep your dog interested and engaged, and you’ll get a break from the monotony of throwing the ball.
3. Use different toys
When your dog becomes obsessed with a particular toy, like a tennis ball, it can be challenging to get them to pay attention to other toys. Try to use different balls and toys during playtime to keep things interesting. You can also try playing with different textures and sizes of balls – some dogs prefer bouncy balls, while others like heavier ones that they can carry around.
4. Limit playtime
As much as your dog might love chasing a ball, it’s important to limit their playtime. Obsessed ball dogs can get so caught up in the game that they forget to take breaks, which can lead to exhaustion and dehydration. Limit playtime to no more than 20 minutes at a time, and make sure your dog has access to plenty of water during breaks.
5. Train your dog
Finally, it’s essential to train your dog to respond to commands during playtime. If your dog is running towards a busy road or chasing the ball into a dangerous area, being able to call them back quickly could save their life. Train your dog to come back to you when called, and use this command during playtime. It can also be useful to train your dog to “drop it” when they have the ball in their mouth.
Why not give these methods a try?
Establish boundaries for playtime, mix it up with new games and toys, use different types of balls, limit playtime, and train your dog to respond to commands. With a little bit of effort, you can turn your ball-chasing maniac into a well-behaved and happy pooch!
We would love to hear how you get on. Feel free to send us a message, a picture or video of your dog.
There are dangers of throwing a ball too
Playing with your dog is an important part of building a strong bond between pet and pet owner. However, it’s important to know the dangers that come with playing fetch. To keep your furry friend safe, choose toys that are appropriate for their size and strength, and inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear. Furthermore, when it comes to playing fetch, ensure your dog is not jumping too high or running too fast on hard surfaces. Pre-empt any fatigue or overheating symptoms by keeping your dog hydrated, and avoiding long periods of games. Lastly, always encourage your dog and provide them with mental stimulation other than playing fetch alone. Play sessions should be fun and enriching, rather than risking injury or behavioural issues.