Playing fetch is great exercise for you and your pup, and what’s not to like? You get to spend time together, your dog gets to run his little heart out, and its fun…. The ‘pros’ go on and on but for some dogs fetch, and balls in particular, cross the line from a fun game to an unhealthy obsession. These compulsive pups never get tired of retrieving, their eyes never leave the ball, and they get obsessive about the ball’s location and feel the need to take it with them everywhere. Instead of being fun, fetch ends up becoming an anxiety ridden event.
So how do you know if your dog has ball obsession or just really loves to chase a ball? A non-obsessed dog will play with other toys, dogs, and kids. A ball obsessed dog will abandon any activity for fetch and will go into a trance like state when the ball is in play. Their bodies tense up and stiffen, their eyes glaze over, and their eyes are fixated on the ball only. They could become very neurotic about their ball and could become destructive or anxious without it.
Ball obsession has the potential to become dangerous. Your dog could become so focused on the game of fetch that he runs into traffic to get the ball. He could knock down kids, other dogs, or anything that stands in the way of him retrieving the ball. He could suffer from heat exhaustion because an obsessed dog doesn’t understand the need for a water break or rest time.
The earlier you decide to curb this obsession the better as it will only worsen in severity over time. Here are some steps to take to break your dog’s obsession with balls:
• Learn to recognize your dog’s behaviors when he’s going into an obsessive state and correct him before the obsession takes over.
• Try walking your dog before playing ball. This will help burn up some of his extra energy, leaving him to play in a less frenzied state.
• You want your dog to know that you are still the pack leader and that he must obey you no matter what. Use his ball as a reward. Make him sit and make eye contact you before you throw the ball. This will assert your dominance and keep him from getting too focused on the ball.
• Teach your dog a command such as “all done” or “take a break” to use when play time is over. Keep the ball put up, out of reach and be diligent – always use this command and always keep the ball put up so that your dog knows that you are in control. By doing this, you are showing dominance and ‘guarding’ your property.
• Try alternating toys during a game of fetch if he is fixated on a specific ball. Between throws of the coveted ball, try throwing another toy to change things up and keep him from obsessing on a specific toy.
• Never try taking the ball from your dog’s mouth. Always use the ‘drop it’ command. If your dog is hesitant to drop the ball, or flat out refuses, try offering them a treat or toy that they value equally and use the ‘drop it’ command.
• If the ball or other coveted toy is put up and your dog continues to beg for it or stare at the spot where it is put away, distract them by getting another toy to play with, going for a walk, going on a car ride, anything to change their focus. This is much more effective than telling them “no” or that they are bad as they do not understand the meaning you are trying to convey.
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