13/10/2025
⚠️ THE DANGERS OF A BALL CHUCKER ⚠️
We all love seeing our dogs having fun chasing a ball 🎾 — tails wagging, eyes bright, full of energy! But did you know that constant high-speed fetch can actually cause stress, physical strain, and behavioural issues over time? 😬
When your dog runs after a ball — even when tired — their body goes into high arousal mode, releasing adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones override fatigue and create a cycle of stress, even though your dog looks like they’re having the best time.
Here’s what can happen 👇
💪 Physical Effects
🐾 Joint & muscle strain – All that stopping, starting, and twisting puts pressure on joints and muscles, increasing the risk of injury and long-term issues like arthritis or hip dysplasia.
🐾 Repetitive strain injuries – The same motion over and over can damage muscles, tendons, and nerves, especially when your dog’s body is already tired.
🐾 Overexertion – Instead of relaxing after play, their body stays in overdrive and struggles to cool down.
🧠 Hormonal & Neurological Effects
⚡ Stress hormone release – Fetch triggers adrenaline and cortisol, which can take days to return to normal levels.
🎾 Obsessive behaviour – Some dogs become addicted to the chase, struggling to switch off.
🔥 Increased arousal – The more they chase, the more they crave that high-energy rush — it’s a vicious cycle!
😰 Behavioural Effects
😵 Inability to relax – Your dog may seem “wired” and struggle to settle after play.
🐕🦺 Anxiety & reactivity – Constant arousal can increase stress levels and even lead to frustration or aggression.
🌿 Missed enrichment – When a dog is focused only on the ball, they miss out on natural calming activities like sniffing, exploring, and socialising.
✅ Healthier Alternatives
💡 Swap endless fetch for calmer enrichment:
Sniff walks 🌳
Scatter feeding 🍗
Tug games 🧸
Puzzle toys 🧩
Training sessions that use their brain 🧠
Your dog will be happier, healthier, and calmer — and you’ll still have loads of fun together ❤️ Samantha J Taylor
