It's never really been an issue for me.
Most people throw things for their dogs to fetch because it's an easy way to exercise them but unless it's very well controlled, chasing that stick, ball or whatever very soon becomes an all consuming obsession.
How often have you seen a dog that should be enjoying his walk or his surroundings totally preoccupied with persuading its owner to throw the ball again?
I rarely throw things for my dogs to fetch and if I do it's on my terms. I decide when the game starts and when it ends, what should be used and what happens to it afterwards. You've seen Kizzy and me play with a toy, when I say "That's it, we're finished" she stops and loses all interest in the object.
I'm not saying there in anything inherently wrong with fetch games, but if you're not careful, your dog will want to do that to the exclusion of
everything else.Take drug dogs as an example. The the one and only reason they search for drugs is to get that ball. For them it's an all consuming, life ruling passion. Well fair enough, they're happy and they do a good job but personally, I don't like it.
The stick incident has been discussed on Radio2 Jeremy Vine show and all kinds of bad things reported.
We have a dalmation, Dylan, who isnt interested in retrieving but a working cocker spaniel, Maisie, who loves to retrieve and I only use a sturdy tennis ball as I had heard of the stick issues a few years ago.
As you say Tom dogs that love to retrieve can become obsessive and it does spoil a good walk for all of us when we walk with the ball for her so its only taken occasionally.
I did attempt the 'game over' rule with her as a puppy but obviously didnt do it properly as she will not take no for an answer now and jumps around when the ball is put in pocket.
Just back from a lovely walk with them - fine cold sunny day here in south notts - along part of the Grantham canal where they amble along - cocker doing her cocker thing and the dalmation well he just looks imperious and cant be arsed with all the sniffing his little mate does.
Finally into a meadow where Dylan gallops around and Maisie romping around after him - then both calming down and eating horse shit kindly left by the fields two inhabitants.
Ive read some of your dog tips on here before Tom from yourself and others - they are always good reading and informative - maybe a thread for dog owners and other pets?
Id love to start but think we need an expert to kick it off
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