The Dog Days of Summer

As warmer weather approaches, residents of Upstate New York eagerly anticipate longer days, where sunsets extend past 8 PM, allowing for more outdoor activities. This means increased opportunities for dog walks and games of fetch! With sunshine, warmth, and cardio in the mix, what could possibly go awry?

Recently, I discovered the answer. When my son is home, he’s typically outside shooting lacrosse balls into a net. Our dog, Mika, Is obsessed with retrieving the balls that stray into the woods beyond the net. It’s a perfect arrangement—Mika gets to exercise while Chris avoids the distraction of searching for lost balls. Watching Mika is entertaining; his keen sense of smell is impressive, as he can unearth a lacrosse ball hidden in a leaf pile from months past, proving his “bird nose” skills in action. 

Last week, these two played for what seemed like hours. When Mika finally returned home, he was panting heavily and showed no signs of slowing down. Despite offering him bowls of water, he behaved as if his panting would not let up. Upon investigating, I learned that some dogs, especially those with a strong prey drive, can become so engrossed in fetch that they risk overexertion or injury. They literally do not know when to stop or when enough is enough and that can result in overheating if not moderated.

To mitigate this risk, it’s advisable to keep fetch sessions brief, mix up the games, and incorporate self-control elements. Utilizing "dead toys" or placing the ball on a cone can help manage excitement and encourage more appropriate retrieves. Additionally, playing fetch on an incline can help regulate the dog’s speed.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on managing your dog’s enthusiasm for fetch:

1. Keep Fetch Sessions Short and Varied:

Short bursts:

Don't overdo it! Short, frequent fetch sessions are

more effective and less tiring for your dog.

Mix it up:

Vary the toys, distances, and terrain to keep your dog engaged and prevent boredom.

2. Introduce Self-Control and Discipline:

Sit & Wait:
Before throwing the ball, have your dog sit and wait. This helps with impulse control.
Multiple balls:
Throw multiple balls and have your dog wait before retrieving them one by one.
"Dead toy":
A toy that is not for playing fetch with can help reduce high arousal and encourage more appropriate retrieves. Place ball on a cone:
This can help limit poor retrieves and reduce arousal.

3. Consider the Dog's Breed and Temperament:

Breeds bred for retrieving:

Some breeds, like Labradors and Golden Retrievers, have a strong innate drive to fetch.
High-energy breeds:
For breeds like Border Collies or German Shepherds, short and frequent fetch sessions are even more important.

4. Watch for Signs of Overexertion:

●  Heavy breathing: Pay attention to signs of tiring, such as heavy breathing, slowing down, or lying down.

●  Reduces intensity: Start with shorter distances and gradually increase as the dog becomes more comfortable.

●  Choose appropriate toys: Consider using smaller, lighter toys for smaller or less energetic dogs.

5. Address Obsessive Behavior:

●  Restrict fetch toys: Keep specific toys for fetch and keep them to yourself when not actively playing.

●  Provide other outlets for exercise:Offer walks, runs, or other games to prevent boredom and frustration.