Playing Fetch with Rover
Outdoor Fetch Fun
If you’ve got a dog, you’d better be spending some quality time with him or her. Interacting with your dog stimulates the dog’s mind and helps encourage a great relationship and good behavior. I have a border collie and one of my favorite things to do in my spare time is play a good game of fetch. If you enjoy a game of fetch with your dog too, here are some tips you’ll want to take to heart.
A Dental Nightmare
Unless you want to risk breaking your dog’s teeth, you’d better make sure you’re playing fetch with a safe toy. When I play fetch with my border collie, she catches the toy in mid air. I’d hate to think what would happen to her teeth if I were playing with a stick, bone or hard-plastic Frisbee. There are a number of dog toys on the market made specifically for the game of fetch. From soft rubber Frisbees to circles made out of rope with a canvas center, your options are quite varied.
Watch the Heat
It gets pretty hot here during the summer. In fact, today the heat index was 105 Fahrenheit. On days like today, we keep our games of fetch indoors (to the dismay of my wife). On hot days that aren’t so sweltering but are still a bit uncomfortable, I turn the sprinkler on and throw my dog’s rope toy through the sprinkler. She jumps through the sprinkler in the process of catching the toy, which gets her wet and keeps her cool in the hot summer sun.
Mix It Up
Some dogs don’t need as much mental stimulation as others, but if your dog is one of the brighter ones who requires a bit of a challenge, you’re going to want to mix the game of fetch up a bit. Don’t just throw the ball or toy in the same direction over and over. Get creative. Create an obstacle course and have your dog work through it to get to the toy. Then reward her with a treat when she tackles the obstacle course and brings the toy back to you.
Try and Try Again
If your dog’s never played fetch before, it may take him a little bit of time before he figures out the concept of the game. Have patience and give him the time he needs. After he finally “gets it” you both will be able to spend hours of quality time playing a game you both enjoy.