
03/31/2025
Letâs Talk About Fetch.
Thereâs an article making the rounds lately claiming that playing fetch isnât good for your dog. And while there can be downsides if done without structure, fetchâlike any other activityâisnât the enemy.
The real key is how you play.
Fetch can be an amazing outlet for your dogâs energy and a way to build focus, impulse control, and engagementâwhen done with intention.
Hereâs how to bring structure to your fetch sessions:
⢠Start with basic obedience. Ask for a sit, down, or stay before throwing the ball.
⢠Add impulse control. Donât let the dog immediately chaseârelease them after a moment of calm.
⢠Add enrichment. Throw the ball into tall grass, woods, or over uneven terrain and ask your dog to hunt for it.
⢠Switch it up. Try playing tag with your dog, or use a flirt pole. Let your dog chase you instead of the ball sometimes.
⢠Know your dog. If your dog becomes obsessive, redirect that energy with training and boundaries instead of eliminating play altogether.
At the end of the day, play is one of the best ways to build a relationship and bond with your dog. So donât let social media trends or other trainers make you feel like you have to stop doing what brings your dog joyâjust do it mindfully.
Structured play isnât just funâitâs functional