Does your dog love playing Fetch? You’ll definitely want to indulge him today, because it’s Fetch Day! Fetch may very well be the oldest doggy ‘sport’ our canine pals partake in. It’s also one of their favorites! A local Anderson, IN vet offers some helpful tips on this classic game below.

Don’t Force It

Many dogs naturally take to playing Fetch. This is almost a given with pups that were bred to retrieve game and fowl, such as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and Springer Spaniels. Of course, not all of our canine buddies like this game. Fido may prefer playing Tug O War, playing with stuffed animals, or just hanging out with his humans. That’s fine, too!

Choose Appropriate Toys

Fetch is only safe if you are using safe objects. Balls are a popular option. There are also quite a few toys made specifically for playing Fetch. Be sure to choose things that are the right size. Fido’s toy should be too big for him to choke on and too small for him to injure himself carrying. Fido loves fetching sticks, but be selective with these. Your pooch could get splinters in his mouth with some types of wood. He could also possibly ingest bacteria, mold, or parasites.

Pick A Safe Place

Choosing the right spot is also very important. Ideally, you’d want an enclosed area, somewhere that Fido can run and play safely. A fenced yard or park is ideal. Avoid playing near roads, rivers, cliffs, or other potential hazards.

Workout

Fido needs daily exercise, just as we do. Fetch can be a great way for him to get his doggy workout in! Just take care not to overexert your pooch. Of course, if you have a super active pup and you want to ramp up the difficulty level, try playing on the top of a hill. Your furry buddy will have to run uphill to bring his toy back to you. That will definitely increase the intensity!

Enjoy It

Although some dogs are naturals, this isn’t always the case. You may need to teac

h Fido how to play. Just be sure to keep training light and positive. At the end of the day, playing Fetch should be fun for both you and your canine companion!

Please feel free to contact us, your Anderson, IN animal clinic, anytime. We’re here for you!