In part 1 of this blog topic, we explored why playing fetch daily might be doing more harm than good for your working or herding dog…from a behavioral and neurological perspective. If you haven’t read that yet, please start here first… before you move on to Alternatives to Playing Fetch!
The Power of Expectation: Pressure Builds
When fetch becomes a daily routine, your dog expects it. It’s no longer just a fun game; it’s a need. And if that need isn’t met? Cue the stress, frustration, and obsessive behaviors.
A dog accustomed to daily chasing that is suddenly denied that outlet could redirect that energy elsewhere – chasing shadows, lights, children, other animals, even cars. That’s how pathological behaviors can develop.
Too often, especially here in Mesa and the rest of metro Phoenix where temperatures are hot for half the year, fetch is used as a quick fix for exercise. But physical activity alone isn’t the same as true mental and emotional regulation. Throwing a ball repeatedly doesn’t “tire out” a working dog – it often just winds them up tighter. It’s like giving a caffeinated drink to someone who’s already hyperactive!!
Alternatives to Playing Fetch: Better Ways to Channel That Drive
These dogs need:
- Cognitive challenges and problem-solving opportunities.
- Training rooted in building a strong relationship with you.
- Solid impulse control.
- Activities that engage their sense of smell (consider local nose work classes, such as our own Scent Work Foundations here at East Valley K9 in Mesa, AZ.
- Appropriate physical outlets like structured walks, swimming, or controlled tug-of-war.
- Quiet, relaxing downtime.
At East Valley K9 Services in Mesa, our dog training curriculum is designed to help with these needs.
Alternatives to Playing Fetch: Fulfilling the Drive, the Right Way
Fulfilling a dog’s drive needs to be done strategically, not haphazardly. Consider these alternatives to playing fetch and endless ball throwing:
- Tug-of-war, with clear rules about starting, stopping, and impulse control.
- Flirt pole play, used thoughtfully and in moderation.
- Engagement-based drive work, with clear signals for starting and stopping.
- Training sessions that combine drive, control, and reward.
- Activities like scent detection or protection sports (under expert guidance).
- Training the dog to “down in drive,” so they can switch from high arousal to calm rest.
The goal is to build a thinking dog, not just a reactive one.
The Takeaway: Just Because They Love It Doesn’t Mean It’s Good for Them
Your working dog might adore the ball. But it’s your job to look beyond that immediate enthusiasm and consider their long-term well-being and consider some alternatives to playing fetch. Just as a child might crave candy all day, it’s up to the parent to provide a balanced diet!
You’re not just raising a dog for today; you’re shaping a companion for life. So, I advise against daily fetch. Every throw reinforces that primal mindset. And that mindset, left unchecked, is difficult to reason with and can’t self-regulate.
Focus on teaching your dog to engage with you, not just an object. Teach arousal with control, make playtime purposeful, and cultivate confident relaxation. Your dog deserves more than just an obsession – they deserve balance, and they deserve you.
Contact East Valley K9 Services Today
Contact us to learn more about how our group and private training services can help you and your dog build a stronger bond that is not built around a tennis ball. Consider the alternatives to playing fetch we’ve talked about here whether in a class setting here, or on your own at home.
At East Valley K9 Services in Mesa, AZ, all our dog training and boarding services are designed to build strong, trusting canine/human relationships. At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to create happy, confident, well-mannered dogs! Conveniently located just off the US 60 in Mesa, close to Gilbert, Tempe, and Chandler, let us help you and your dog work on some great alternatives to playing fetch!
Author: Brandy Girot, CPDT-KA
