There’s a pretty important doggy holiday this month! October 15th is National Fetch Day! That may not be quite as critical as Adopt A Shelter Pet Day, Responsible Dog Ownership Day, or any of the charity-related pet holidays, but it is still very relevant. Of course, it’s also important to Fido. Fetch is one of Man’s Best Friend’s favorite games! Read on as a local vet delves into this classic doggy activity.

Is Playing Fetch Good For A Dog?

If you were to ask Fido this, it’s safe to say that the answer would be an enthusiastic yes. We don’t have a universal answer for this one, as it does vary from pup to pup. However, there are definitely some benefits to playing Fetch!

Let’s take a look at some of them.

Activity: Making sure that your four-legged bestie gets regular activity is very important! Just like people, Fido has to keep moving in order to stay fit and healthy. Fetch is a great way for your pooch to get his cardio workout in. This can also be helpful for improving your pup’s self-control and coordination. 

Mental Stimulation: Another good thing about playing Fetch is that it offers some mental stimulation. After all, your pooch is going to have to track the ball, stick, or whatever it is he’s returning. That’s also very important for Fido’s health and well-being.

Bonding: When you take time to hold a stick for your furry bestie, you’re making an effort to keep him happy and healthy. That isn’t going to go unnoticed! Fido tends to be very, very grateful to those who are kind to him and take care of him. And while bonding is important for any dog, it’s crucial for newly-adopted pups, especially as you are first building that special relationship.

Better Behavior: Did you know that playing can help improve dogs’ behavior? A fun game of Fetch can be helpful for this as well. If Fido has too much energy, he’s more likely to act rowdy and unruly. A fun workout will help him calm down, as he’ll be burning off that extra zoom. After that intense workout, your pooch will likely be more interested in naps and cuddles than in chasing the cat around.

Natural Behavior: Fetch taps into some very deep-seated and innate behaviors for our canine companions. Many breeds were originally tasked with retrieving small game and bringing them back to their owners. (Retrievers are a good example of this: that job description is included in the breed name!)

Improves Self-Esteem: Just like people, dogs can struggle with their self-esteem. If Fido is timid or anxious, playing Fetch may help him feel a bit more secure. Our canine pals look adorably proud of themselves when they master something!

It’s Fun: Last but not least, Fetch is just very fun for Fido! It’s hard not to smile when seeing the unbridled joy some pooches display when they are hard at play. Dogs are super cute when they are hard at play.  

Of course, every dog is different. A Chihuahua is going to have very different exercise needs than a Doberman would. Be sure to talk to your vet and get some specific advice on that.

What Are Some Tips For Playing Fetch?

Fetch isn’t rocket science, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Make Sure It’s Safe For Fido

Some pups shouldn’t be encouraged to jump or stand on their back legs, as this can put too much stress on their bones and joints. That may exacerbate or contribute to bone and joint issues, such as hip dysplasia. Fetch also may not be right for brachycephalic pooches, or any dog with respiratory problems. Some dogs lose their breath remarkably fast. This can be very dangerous! 

If you aren’t sure whether Fetch is a good option for your canine companion, reach out to your vet and ask for advice. 

Choose Appropriate Toys

While sticks and balls are probably Fido’s favorite things to chase, they aren’t the only options. You can also toss various toys. Just take care to only use things that are safe for your canine companion. Avoid anything small or sharp, or items that could be toxic.

It’s also important to choose things that are the right size for your furry best friend.  Your pet could hurt himself on things that are too big or too small for him! Another thing to keep in mind? Your furry friend could hurt—or even crack—his teeth on hard objects, such as sticks. Your pup could also get splinters in his mouth, which isn’t much fun. 

Opt For Safe Places 

Picking the right location is also important. Dogs do tend to get a bit fixated on things, so don’t assume that Fido will know better than to jump over a steep drop or run into the road in pursuit of his ‘quarry’. Stick to places with good footing. A fenced yard is a great option. 

Don’t Overdo It

While the exercise and stimulation that your furry pal gets when playing Fetch is great for him, there can be a downside. Sometimes dogs get a bit too worked up about their favorite games. You may find that Fido gets a bit too rowdy after his game. There is something to be said about the possibility of there being too much of a good thing. Ask your vet for specific advice. 

What Dog Breeds Like Playing Fetch? 

While Fetch is definitely very popular with our canine friends, there are also pups that would rather play Tug-O-War or other games. Some of our canine pals also don’t quite get the concept, and will just give you an adorable confused look and a head tilt if you toss them something to catch. Breed does play a role here. 

Here are some of the pooches that tend to really enjoy this game: 

• Border Collie
• English Springer Spaniel
• Labrador Retriever
• Australian Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Standard Poodle
• Belgian Shepherd
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Jack Russell Terrier
• English Whippet
• German Shepherd
• Weimaraner

Bonus: Tail Wag Starter!

If your canine buddy absolutely loves Fetch, then you may want to consider getting him an automated ball launcher.  Fido is super cute when he is playing with these! You may find that this is just as entertaining for you as it is for your furry pal. Just be sure to get one that uses balls that are the right size for your pet. Otherwise, this could be a safety issue. For instance, a large dog could choke on a ball meant for a smaller dog. Ask your vet for more information. 

Conclusion: In conclusion, Fetch is a fun and beneficial game for Man’s Best Friend! It can help keep your dog entertained, active, and out of trouble. It also offers mental stimulation, is great for coordination, and can help with bonding. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as using appropriate toys and making sure that this type of activity is safe for your pooch. 

Make An Appointment At Our Veterinary Clinic 

Do you have questions about playing with your furry friend? Is your pup due for an exam, vaccines, or parasite control? Please feel free to contact us, your animal clinic, anytime.