Dog’s love to chase balls but it’s not the best for their joints or for mental stimulation. Ball throwing, although it doesn’t look it, can be very stressful for our dogs both physically and mentally.
So what can we do that our dogs will love more?
Searching for the ball or tracking with the ball as the end article/reward
Flyball
Static retrieves
Let’s take a look at each of these options and see which is best for your dog.
Searching for the ball or tracking with the ball as the end article/reward
This is great for dogs who like to use their nose or for those who never use their nose to really challenge them and tire them out. You can play hide and seek with the ball, placing it in different locations and getting your dog to find it or you could use a scent to make the ball smell then lay a track with that scent with the ball being the end article. Tracking involves a little more walking and more space is needed but hide and seek or searching can be done inside or in a smaller area making it great for rainy days.
Jack loves tracking for a ball.
2. Flyball
Flyball is great for dogs who like to run but are not too interested in the ball. Flyball dogs need to be sociable with other dogs and people and be happy to drop balls too and nor resource guard them. If that sounds like your dog, flyball might be a great alternative. You’ve probably seen flyball at crufts (and if not you should check out a video because it’s a great watch) and will know it involves dogs running down a line of hurdles to a box where they pick up a ball and run back. This is a great alternative to chasing a ball in the park as it’s more structured and dogs are trained to regulate their seem there is less risk of injury and your dog will be more mentally satisfied.
3. Static retrieves
If neither of the other options sound right for your dog and you really want to incorporate some ball play into your dogs life then static retrieves might be a better option for you. Static retrieves involve having your dog sit and wait whilst you throw or place a ball (or most commonly a dumbbell/dummy used in gundog training) and then send your dog to retrieve it. This ensures your dog is running predominantly in straight lines and has time to slow before picking up the ball, reducing their risk of injury. It is also more mentally stimulating for your dog and helps to improve their basic obedience and impulse control.
Be sure to let me know if you try any of these with your dogs!!
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