12/05/2025
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16cPMoLxhe/
Do you think you need a ball and launcher to use your dog's energy?
We most often see the collie chasing a ball at the park, the human launches a ball and the dog chases again and again until the dog's tongue is lolling. The human then gives a satisfied sigh, that their dog is happy and will settle, so they both head home. In reality, this activity creates an athlete dog with an obsessive mind.
The act of chasing a ball in sharp bursts creates an adrenaline rush that's addictive, which is why these dogs get to the park and immediately focus for their ball. They are obsessed and addicted to the rush.
Whilst chasing or obsessing about the ball (or when it's coming) these dogs miss out on sniffing, exploring, scents, gentle relaxing exercise and gentle interaction with their person. Instead they build a body that is strong and needs MORE physical exercise, along with a mind that simply can't relax and enjoy gentle life enhancement.
Ball launching is an activity that builds on itself, the more fast ball chasing the dog has, the more he will 'need' to achieve physical tiredness and the more obsessed he will become.
This dog would truly benefit from slowing down, exploring the space around him and doing some gentle sniffing games, brain work and interaction with his human, that uses less physical spurts and more gentle enrichment.
Sally .com