08/03/2023
We only very occasionally use a ball launcher these days, maybe a few throws on an empty beach. We used to with our old dogs Rufus and Maple as they LOVED retrieving stuff, but it's just not the done thing these days for many reasons explained below!
Possession aggression is a question on our pet registration form. Of course, we have to assess all dogs ourselves anyway as dogs behave differently in groups. If your dog is possessive around things, please try and work on this. They find sticks, balls, dead bunnies and all sorts they could potentially fight over on walks, so teaching dogs the "leave it" and "drop" cues are basic essentials. One dog may just go and sniff a dead bunny but another will want to parade it, and another will want to eat and potentially fight over it. If we don't understand our dogs, train and practise with toys or other things first, how will they know what we want them to do in the real world of sticks and bunnies. On our walks, toys are tools, not triggers. Health and safety first and foremost. 🐾🥰🐕
Ball launchers have become a popular accessory for dog owners who want to keep their dogs active and entertained. However, these devices can have negative effects on your dog's health and wellbeing.
Ball Launchers Can Cause Obsession:
Some dogs become obsessed with fetching a ball, which can lead to behavioural problems. They may become aggressive or anxious when they are not playing with the ball launcher, making it difficult to enjoy time with your pet. It's important to recognise the signs of obsession and to limit your dog's use of the ball launcher.
Ball Launchers Interrupt Natural Behaviour:
Dogs are naturally curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings through sniffing and relaxing. However, when they become obsessed with fetching a ball, they may lose interest in these natural behaviours. This can lead to boredom and frustration, causing your dog to become less active and less healthy.
Ball Launchers Can Cause Joint Problems:
Repeatedly launching a ball puts a lot of stress on your dog's joints, especially if they are a high energy breed. This can lead to joint problems such as arthritis, which can be very painful and expensive to treat. It's important to limit the amount of time your dog spends playing with a ball launcher and to give them plenty of rest breaks.
While ball launchers may seem like a fun and easy way to keep your dog entertained, they can have negative effects on their health and wellbeing. They interrupt natural behaviour, can cause joint problems, and lead to obsession. If you want to keep your dog healthy and happy, it's best to limit their use of ball launchers and encourage them to engage in natural behaviours such as sniffing, scent work, exploring and simply relaxing.
