12/03/2026
Something you won't ever see us use on walks. The dreaded ball launcher.
In fact we don't throw balls at all.
Every day we see others launching balls for groups of dogs and we cringe. But owners say how wonderful it is that their dog walker can knacker out their dog.
Unfortunately one day the only thing that will be knackered is their joints.
We've seen over the years the damage that can be done to dogs joints and the cost to deal with it.
Snoop was born with leg issues which ended up costing over £9000 just in operations. And that doesn't include all the physio visits and medication etc.
Poppy damaged her shoulder once on a hike in the hills and she was never the same after it.
We've seen Rachel at Well Balanced Animals and been to Physio Vet to see David Prydie who used to work for Noel Fitzpatrick The Supervet previously and both said launching balls is a no no and can cause alot of issues.
For us the customers dogs we walk isn't just about the now. It's making sure they live a happy and healthy life forecast long as possible. We don't want to see these dogs in 10 years time hobbling around in pain.
Snoop showed us how bad arthritis is and it cannot be reversed.
Do the right thing. Ditch the ball thrower.
This last week I have had several clients working though issues that are at least partly caused by ‘ The Tennis Ball Launcher’ or flanger, wanger, flingy thingy or whatever it is you call it.
Throwing a ball is something that many if not all pet dogs owners engage in at some point, if not on a regular basis.
Quite rightly, concerns within the veterinary and behavioural professions have been raised about the mental and physical impact the launcher can have on dogs.
For me, it’s the levels of excitement and arousal these games create. The increased arousal can involve increased heart rate and adrenaline levels. Adrenaline itself should be released in short bursts, such as during a one off during a chase , but repeated ‘throw it, chase it, catch it means Adrenalin is released for much longer periods.
Repetitive chasing in this way is not a natural behaviour for any dog.
This increase of Adrenalin in turn causes an increase in cortisol levels, and can lead to ‘frantic’ behaviours as a result of reduced impulse control and frustration tolerance. Cortisol levels take a good few days days to return to normal.
Adrenaline and cortisol both play a role in the regulation of behaviour. Promoting increased production of both over a long term period can trigger problematic and behaviours. No ‘off switch’, lack of frustration tolerance and general erratically behaviour.
Due to this ( and because they are being conditioned to behave in a certain way to get their ‘reward’ )you may find your dog plays ‘keep away’ and wants to be ahead of you to the distance where they usually have their ball thrown.
They will possibly struggle to walk beside you ( want to be ahead of you)
They cannot calm down or exhibit any self control around a ball or in the place you usually throw it.
If the potential behavioural issues are not enough to help you ditch the ball thrower, the physical impact of using one can be immense.
High speed impact, uncontrolled twists and turns, rotatory force on joints etc can cause a multitude of injuries. Let’s be honest, how many times is the dog even ‘warmed up’ before embarking on such vigorous exercise?
There is soooo much more you can do with a ball or toy to work your dog mentally and physically. You can, if needed use them in certain situations if your dog is happy to wait calmly by your side. However you may find they need a ball detox for a few weeks prior to using it in a new way ☺️
