Teach a dog to play?
posted over 2 years ago
Jess is an aussie about 5 yrs old. She has never learned to play with me. She plays with the other two dogs but if I toss something she won't go fetch it or even want to chase it. She just looks at it and then me. I'd like her to do stuff like that for exercise and fun. Any ideas?
posted by feywon
Do the other dogs play? If so and she hasn't copied them...this may be a personality quirk. i know Aussies are an active breed, but i'm thinking they like to feel useful and she may not see a point to fetch. A dog trainer recommended by local animal control might be able to advise after observing interaction with you and other dogs.
If her vet says she's healthy and she isn't developing bad habits (chewing inappropriate things) out of boredom, i would let her be. She may eventually teach you what she'd like to do for fun and excercise.
Write in Guestbook