Search and fetch the ball It is usually the favorite game of many dogs, since they enjoy running after it to “hunt” it, asking us to throw it over and over again. This does not have to be a problem as long as it does not become an obsession, something that can easily happen if the animal does not receive the necessary attention or get enough exercise. The good news is that we can end this addiction by following some guidelines.
First of all we must understand that this game is not in its nature. The ancestors of canines, wild wolves, travel long distances and hunt for food, which does not imply reaching a state anxiety as high as that of looking for the ball. We ourselves promote this excitement with this exercise, which on many occasions we cannot control.
A very common mistake is to substitute the walks for the game of the ball. Many owners prefer to opt for this alternative for comfort, with the intention that the dog will tire as soon as possible and leave them alone. In this way, we do nothing but encourage their obsession, since the game becomes the only physical activity that the animal performs. That is why it is important that you spend your energy with long walks.
In addition, it is key that we are the ones let's control the game, that is, that we monitor the emotional state of the dog. It is essential that we decide when the activity begins and when it ends, as well as when to throw the ball; if the dog asks for it by barking, we will have to wait for it to calm down.
A good trick is to take advantage of the activity to perform obedience exercises using positive reinforcement. Before throwing the ball we can ask our pet to sit or lie down, "forcing" him to calm down before he runs in search of his toy. Make sure he is looking at us, rather than at the ball, before throwing it.
As for the duration of the game, it is recommended that it does not exceed 10 or 15 minutes, and that we decide ourselves when it ends. Once finished, the ideal is save the ball where the animal cannot find it, in order to completely disconnect from this activity. With time and patience we will be able to eliminate your obsession.