03/04/2025
Long post incoming but hear me out...
I’m not against dogs playing fetch; I enjoy it with my dogs, and they love it too. It’s a fun and easy way to exercise them, and it helps burn off energy when I’m short on time. However, I do think some people rely too much on fetch for dog exercise, and while it has its benefits, there are potential downsides to using it excessively. Objects like tennis balls, Frisbees, or sticks can cause dogs to overexert themselves or even hurt themselves if not used carefully.
Fetch is a great motivator for training and fun, but without it, some dogs could become overly energetic or destructive, creating problems for both their owners and society. There are certainly other ways to engage and stimulate dogs, and relying too heavily on fetch can lead to negative behaviours or transfer, so it’s important to be mindful of this. Trainers should offer alternatives and encourage impulse control during fetch to balance things out.
That being said, we shouldn’t discourage fetch just because of a few negative opinions online. Instead of telling clients they’re doing it wrong, we should help them incorporate impulse control and self-regulation into the game. After all, trainers create obsession in dogs for activities like scent detection, sports, or protection, so why is fetch any different? The key is to have the right skill set to train and manage these behaviours.
Let’s work with our clients, not against them. Don’t discard tools that may work well for some dogs just because they weren’t ideal for others. Be open to different ideas and methods that enhance your own approach. Strive to improve the dog’s quality of life, and always aim for balance—too much or too little of anything can lead to negative results. Finding the "just right" approach is key.
