Many dogs are excited to run after a ball. But is it good to throw it at him? Do all dogs have a natural attraction to this popular game? Like any physical activity, it has advantages and some risks to avoid, so we give you several keys to play with your dog in a healthy way, either taking advantage of the moment of the walk or in some leisure time.
Did you know that chasing a moving ball, catching it in the mouth, and carrying it are different phases of the wolf's predatory sequence? Some dogs like the golden retriever or the labrador retriever have these phases of the predatory sequence specially developed, but there are many dogs that can get excited behind a ball. In fact, when it comes to playing, each dog has their tastes, which are the result of their natural tendencies and what they have learned playing with their pet parents. The collection game -which consists of capturing and returning objects- is usually done with a ball, a frisbee, and other toys that dogs can pick up and carry with their mouths.
Running after a ball, catching it, and bringing it back can be a fun way for our dog to exercise and strengthen our bond by sharing a pleasurable activity. Also, when used well, this game can be used to train important skills such as self-control. In fact, a ball thrown at the right time and place can serve to reinforce behaviors that interest us or to divert the dog's attention. In any case, it is not only necessary for our dog to enjoy this type of game, but also for us to follow some healthy rules to get the most out of this pastime.
Sudden acceleration, sudden braking, leaning back to catch the ball, shifting your weight forward, or making daring turns with your body are all movements that can lead to physical injury. Furthermore, the risk of these injuries increases if the game has started without a warm-up, if the dog is already injured, overweight or growing.
The physical constitution of our dog also influences the benefits it can find in this type of exercise. In this sense, having the structure of a dachshund or a basset hound, with a disproportion between the length of the legs and the back, is not the same as having a more balanced physique. Also, if the toy is heavy, this puts additional stress on joints, muscles and other tissues, and therefore there is more chance of getting hurt. You should also keep in mind that some dogs seem to forget everything around them when they are concentrating on the ball, so it is advisable to keep this in mind during the game.
The time and place where the game takes place matters. For this reason, you should avoid doing it on the hottest days or hours and find a suitable space: avoid wet surfaces, slippery floors (such as parquet or house tiles) or abrasive (such as asphalt). Also, watch out for uneven surfaces, where it's easier to misplace or where an erratically bouncing ball can increase the risk of a bad move.
Choosing a good material is also key. Toys should be light, of a suitable size and material. Ideal are a ball, a dog-specific frisbee, or a rubber stick. Rocks, tennis balls, non-dog frisbees, and other abrasive objects can damage teeth, while toys that are too small pose a risk of accidental swallowing or choking. In the same way, also be careful with toys that can be easily fragmented into small pieces.
If you are playing tag in a public space, it is best to stop playing when another dog appears. Because? Because this game can cause conflicts, whether they are family dogs or strangers from the pipicán. At the same time, if while you are walking together, you see someone playing ball with their dog, avoid going near it. And if you are a pet parent of more than one dog? We recommend you teach them to each play with their ball and to calmly wait for his turn while he touches the other.
Before playing, have him walk or jog for a few minutes, as well as do some gentle tug-of-war to stretch. It is also recommended that they move their legs and spine, perform low jumps, turn left and right, and stretch their neck and spine, for which you can use a lure. When you finally start throwing the ball, start out slow and with low repetitions and progressively increase the distance. It is important to finish the game by gradually lowering the intensity of the activity and stretching the muscles.
Throws the ball straight and more under his head, rather than up to avoid having to raise his neck to catch it. Don't throw the ball downhill for him to chase down the hill, and in general, avoid impossible shots that require him to make very forceful movements that could injure him. Then, we must be careful if we use the plastic arm to pick up balls: this device should not be an incentive to lose count of the times you have already thrown the ball.
As a dog begins to build stamina for this activity, the repetitions and distance covered can be gradually increased. But playing ball with your dog should not translate into a continuous sequence of tossing and picking up to try to tire him out in the shortest possible time and return to the routine. Chasing the toy over and over again can cause an uncontrolled rise in the level of excitement, instead of achieving entertainment that facilitates his rest later. This type of game also has an emotional impact on him.
Remember that you have to be aware that this game is not suitable for any dog. It is always best to avoid him if he is especially at risk of injury, has osteoarthritis, or if, when you serve the ball, he is unable to attend to anything else.
We also shouldn't throw the ball right when he's barking, jumping on you, or trying to steal the ball from your hand. A toss at this time would reinforce the action the dog has just performed and may again encourage highly aroused behaviors during play. To promote self-control, it is also important to clearly signal the start and end of the session. As? For example, using one word to start playing and a different one to stop, such as "that's it". In this way, when your dog understands that the game has ended, you can walk with the ball in your hand without taking it from you.
If you follow all these tips, throwing the ball can be a very beneficial game for our dog as long as it is done in a balanced and safe way. In addition, it is also convenient to combine it with other activities so that it continues to maintain interest in walks and other dogs in the park.
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Is it good to throw the ball to your dog?
