The Warrensburg Dog Nerd

The Warrensburg Dog Nerd Improving human-dog relationships by decreasing frustration on both ends of the leash.

04/03/2025

I didn’t think I’d spend my career fighting for dogs to be allowed to play fetch. But here we are.

Four years ago, I noticed little hints of pet parents being warned about playing fetch. I had clients whose working dogs got no exercise.

“We used to play fetch, but the previous trainer told us to stop so he wouldn’t become a super athlete,” one Aussie owner told me. “The arch of the ball in the air causes adrenaline spikes,” one trainer wrote. “It causes compulsive disorder” is a common theme. “They are addicted”. The list goes on and on.

At that time, I warned that it would spread like wildfire, and indeed it did. Now, the concept that fetch is bad is in most pet households. Why do I care? Because many dogs are underenriched. Most dogs are underexercised. Taking away the one joyful thing they do is terrible. Especially when the claims are false.

Yesterday, I was tagged on a post about fetch. My followers know I’m pro-fetch (because I’m pro-happy and excited dogs). Heck, I wrote a chapter in my book about fetch.

When I saw the post, my heart sank. The post, with the click-bait “HERE’S THE SCIENTIFIC TRUTH NO ONE TALKS ABOUT,” had 900 shares. Then 1000. Now 2.1k.

I’ve tried so hard to stay out of these debates. I just want dogs to be happy, but the world is on fire, everyone is stressed, and we’re all focused elsewhere. But this morning, someone shared it with a cattle dog group. One commenter said, “I play fetch with my dog once a week, and now I’ll rethink that.”

And just like that, my heart snapped in half.

In 2.1k shares, there are countless guardians who will stop playing with their dogs because of that post.

So, I woke up this Sunday morning and found myself here, making this post, attempting to put a bandaid on the gushing chest wound of the assault on happy, excited dogs.

The first claim of the viral post is that fetch mimics the predatory sequence. This is the pattern that all predators use to hunt. They find the prey, then they stalk it. Next, they chase, then grab, bite, kill and consume. The poster says that fetch is bad because “the kill bite never comes” and reports that “the dog is neurologically left in a state of arousal.” I get it. When paired with words like “dopamine,” “adrenaline,” “and cortisol,” it sounds potentially bad.

If we are concerned about completing the sequence, we can rest easy knowing the dog does, in fact, “capture” its ball “prey.” If they want to shake it, they do. They can if they want to hold it with their paws and rip it apart with their incisors, instinctively acting out the “consume” part of the sequence.

But fetch isn’t a broken predatory loop. It’s a modified, learned behaviour that is naturally rewarding, fun to do, and often reinforced with positive feedback and the ball being thrown again.

Not every dog must complete the full sequence to experience satisfaction or neurological "closure." Many have been selectively bred not to complete it (e.g., gun dogs retrieving without damaging prey and herders bred for various tasks). You might see some of your breed’s version come out during fetch, like when a border collie stalks his ball.

There’s no evidence that fetch causes chronic stress. Cortisol spikes during activity, including play, but this is not pathological. It’s a normal response. Studies do not support the idea that fetch causes chronic arousal or leaves a dog dysregulated. Chronic stress is caused by uncontrollable, unpredictable stressors, not voluntary play.

Studies show that predictable, rewarding exercises like fetch can reduce stress when balanced with rest. The claim that “dopamine is not the reward chemical—it’s the pursuit chemical” is a half-truth. Dopamine is involved in wanting AND liking. If dopamine release from play were inherently harmful, food training, nose work, and toy rewards would also be "dangerous" because they rely on the same reward circuitry. But there’s no evidence that normal play dysregulates the brain.

A meta-analysis on canine behaviour problems (Tiira & Lohi, 2015) found that lack of activity is associated with increased problem behaviours, including anxiety and destructiveness. Dogs, especially high-energy breeds, need both mental and physical outlets. Fetch can absolutely be part of that. It’s not "coffee for a child with ADHD”. It’s more like recess for a kid who’s been sitting all day.

While play can resemble predatory behaviours (chasing, biting, shaking), which is why we have stuffy squeaky toys, tug toys, balls, herding balls and candy-coated ways to let our dogs kill things, it’s functionally and emotionally distinct. Play triggers positive affective states in the brain and is associated with dopamine, endorphin, and oxytocin release—not just adrenaline and cortisol. Studies in dogs and other mammals show that play is self-rewarding and contributes to stress regulation, not dysregulation.

We also know dogs can distinguish between real predation, acts of aggression, and sexual behaviour vs play. That’s the whole point of play. It’s like humans playing house when we’re kids. Dogs are acting out the real-life version of what they might need to do, from fighting to hunting prey.

Again, no peer-reviewed studies show that playing fetch daily creates “chronic sympathetic dominance,” weakens immune systems, or causes behavioural burnout. These claims rely on theoretical ideas, not research. In fact, routine play, when balanced with sleep, training, enrichment, and calm time, contributes to emotional regulation and well-being.

On top of all of the fake scientific-washed bu****it, the concept that it makes dogs less focused on their handler is where I really want to pull my hair out. Our dogs are literally focused on us for survival. They are captive animals, rarely getting more freedom than a zoo animal. They rely on us for everything from potty breaks to feeding, and these days, they can’t even sleep where they choose. I’ve never met a dog who is less apt to focus on his handler because of fetch, but if I do, I’ll congratulate him for having some agency in his day, some ability to not care what the human is doing.

In fact, the very act of fetching and retrieving IS directly tied to the “level of synchrony between human and companion animal.” Delgado MM, Stella JL, Croney CC, Serpell JA. Making fetch happen: Prevalence and characteristics of fetching behaviour in owned domestic cats (Felis catus) and dogs (Canis familiaris). The very concept of fetch is believed to be tied back to days when it was helpful for us to have dogs bringing back animals killed with projectiles, something we still use the behaviour for to this day in hunting breeds.

If you ARE worried your dog is compuslive or “addicted”, know this. NO TRAINER IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE THIS DIAGNOSIS. Especially when the diagnosis is coming because a dog is focused on the ball, jumpy, potentially a lot to manage, Barky, “pushy,” or otherwise doing what excited dogs do. Including not wanting to stop. Imagine, as a kid, if you were running into a playground, excitedly yelling and begging your mom for five more minutes when it’s time to go home, and someone said you were “addicted.”

Compulsive disorder in dogs still needs a lot of studying, but it is likely genetic is often made worse by underlying conditions, like pain. Stress and anxiety usually contribute along with a lack of exercise and enrichment. Your dog enjoying playing with a ball is not a diagnostic criterion. In fact, I use play, including fetch, to help my compulsive disorder clients.

All that to say, the original post will be shared. It will be shared a lot because it sounds real, because it’s clickbaity because it makes people feel like they might be harming their dog. And, as a result, well-meaning people are going to stop playing with their dog.

The last line, “He deserves you—not just the ball”, is what REALLY makes me mad. This gaslighty concept that guardians using fetch are somehow not giving their dogs a relationship, love or connection.

If you don’t want to play fetch with your dog, don’t. If you’re worried about joints or arthritis, I’m not going to tell you to do something that doesn’t feel right. But if you’re like me, and your dogs love games, play and fun, don’t let some post stop you from having fun with your dog.

Update: thank you to everyone who has interacted with and shared this post!

To find out more about your working dog, read my book, Urban Sheepdog: https://amzn.to/4g0o6VT

The graphic was supposed to say Sunday, APRIL 6th. My brain keeps trying to skip April altogether.
03/29/2025

The graphic was supposed to say Sunday, APRIL 6th. My brain keeps trying to skip April altogether.

03/25/2025

I AIN’T MISBEHAVING
I’m just doing what dogs do!

What may look like misbehaviour is often just a dog behaving as dogs naturally do.

We expect so much of our dogs when we bring them into our world, forgetting that they are a different species that don’t arrive pre-programmed to behave in a way we expect them to.

We hold dog’s captive in a confined, unnatural space and then become frustrated when they don’t behave the way we expect.

We become frustrated when our dogs don’t walk nicely on a lead, don’t get on with every other dog or person they meet, steal food from counter tops, don’t give things back, guard resources, dig, chew or destroy what they shouldn’t, bark, howl, whine or perhaps growl etc.

We need to replace our frustration and our need to train away or fix unwanted behaviour with understanding, patience and guidance.

Understand that dogs naturally behave in a certain way. Be patient while guiding them to learn a different way to behave through using force free, positive reinforcement methods, meeting their needs and managing their environment.

Providing outlets to engage in natural behaviour, providing mental, physical and social stimulation and understanding why dogs behave the way they do will create secure relationship and make such a difference in their lives.

One of the greatest gifts we can give our dogs is our understanding.

03/24/2025

Check out these resources if you need assistance affording veterinary care for your pets.

Is your dog trainer still learning? Science, research, feedback, and adaptation of developed techniques in animal behavi...
03/16/2025

Is your dog trainer still learning?

Science, research, feedback, and adaptation of developed techniques in animal behavior are constantly updating and providing new information. Even experienced professionals should continuously seek information and education. If the animal welfare professionals in your life, who are likely participating in the care of your beloved animals, are not expanding their knowledge in some way that is something to consider. How old is the information they are acting on? What is the supporting research if there is any? Where did they receive their education in their field?

I am currently attending which is a major animal behavior based conference exploring many different topics within the concept of clicker training. It is hosted by Karen Pryor Academy every year. If you or someone in your life wants to expand their knowledge about clicker training, network with like-minded professionals, or is new to the world of animal behavior and wants to learn then Clicker Expo is the place to be!

Shout-out to Pets for Vets for being this year's Clicker Expo sponsor!

Learn to read your dog so you can help prevent them from "climbing the ladder".
02/28/2025

Learn to read your dog so you can help prevent them from "climbing the ladder".

Thunder is a handsome brindle mix breed dog that was found abandoned at Cave Hollow Park some months ago. He was found b...
02/25/2025

Thunder is a handsome brindle mix breed dog that was found abandoned at Cave Hollow Park some months ago. He was found by a loving couple who took him in. They absolutely adore him and what's not to love? We are working on dog neutrality inside and outside the home alongside some obedience and manners. He's absolutely killing it!

Sweet Winnie did so much today! Winnie is a female adolescent mixed breed that struggles with fearful reactivity. We hav...
02/24/2025

Sweet Winnie did so much today! Winnie is a female adolescent mixed breed that struggles with fearful reactivity. We have been working on increasing her confidence and setting her and her owner up for success while giving her the coping skills she needs to tackle this big scary world! Today she learned that pulling on her leash and long line gets her nowhere but following her mom gets her big rewards!

02/07/2025

We are having another vaccine clinic on Friday February 7th between noon and 3pm. This is a walk in only clinic.

Services Offered: Rabies 1 yr (can have a 3 year with proof of current rabies) $15 Microchip $20| Dogs only: Bordetella (aka Kennel Cough) $15 Dogs only: DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Lepto, Parvo, Parainfluenza) $20 Dogs only: Heartworm test $10 Cats only: FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) $20

CASH OR CHECK ONLY!

I have NOT fact checked this yet, and I am unfamiliar with Save This Life as a microchip manufacturer. I will update thi...
02/07/2025

I have NOT fact checked this yet, and I am unfamiliar with Save This Life as a microchip manufacturer. I will update this post once I do.

01/14/2025

Listen to the whispers

Whispers are soft, subtle and so easy to miss in our often busy, hectic lives, but making an effort to listen to them can prevent situations from escalating, resulting in reactive behaviour.

A dog’s attempt to communicate is so often misunderstood or completely ignored.

Body language is one of the only ways that dogs can let us know how they are feeling. When we know how they’re feeling, we can intervene, help them feel safe and prevent those emotions from boiling over.

Body language can be subtle and fleeting, but with careful observation and knowing what to look for most of us can learn to recognize and understand what our dogs are saying.

It’s always important to look at the context, the situation and especially what the rest of the body is doing when deciphering their language.

Being able to understand a dog’s emotional state through their body language helps us to predict behaviour, prevent potential problems or simply allows us to just enjoy observing what they are feeling.

Although dogs each have their own unique personalities and distinct way of communicating, there are many common signs that can give us insight. We just need to take the time to learn and then notice them. I believe dogs would be so grateful if we make the effort to learn their language.

Here are some resources and links to learn more about body language -

On Talking Terms With Dogs - Calming Signals, 2nd Edition by Turid Rugaas
https://www.dogwise.com/on-talking-terms-with-dogs-calming-signals-2nd-edition/?srsltid=AfmBOoqj8ruQJx5bCP7qWb03TqCyAGfmAvCj988UuWk_L1_UHbYcZsES&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0AaDd_wwhSC4JEUqkvQmOG9lU5bNdbAOEeHQb0st7P_DXrdAOR-utY_-k_aem_cqU0VLHHyjrKbce9ddT84g

The Veterinary Behaviour Centre
https://www.heska.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/TVBC-Canine-Dog-Body-Language-handout.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3mKGykzNJr7_yFf1_e6mc2sRHjNvjEok2GLvKTw-OMtTxEfjtlxM6vk4I_aem_B-YAlekmE0eV03c_1x8cyw

01/11/2025
12/25/2024

Did you get a puppy or new dog for the holidays? Do you have an older dog at home already?

Great! YOUR SENIOR DOG DID NOT GET A PUPPY - YOU DID.

I get calls very regularly when a family gets a second dog or young puppy because their current dog is getting older. Maybe because they know they don't want to wait for their old companion to pass before welcoming a new friend. Maybe because they think their older dog wants a friend. Inevitably I hear "my dog snapped at the puppy out of nowhere!"

Here's the truth. Senior dogs often have little tolerance for puppy antics. Some are very patient and willing to teach the puppy, but many will get overwhelmed. Puppies don't pop out of the womb knowing social skills, they must be taught. Most dog social skills are learned from interacting with other dogs. Puppies learn how to appropriately initiate play, to show and read appeasement, and very importantly listen to other dogs' warning signals. No, your dog did not snap at your puppy "out of nowhere". Your dog most likely gave your puppy plenty of signals that it wanted the interaction to be over and your young socially rude and pushy puppy didn't listen.

Senior dogs are NOT puppy sitters. You must advocate for your older dog and enforce boundaries with your puppy. Do not leave them alone together unsupervised. Do not expect your older dog to spend the majority of their time with the puppy. Do remember to give your older dog one on one attention away from the puppy. Foster a healthy relationship between the two by stepping in BEFORE your older dog feels like they need to physically correct the puppy.

Keep your peace and don't overwhelm your dog. YOU got a puppy. THEY did not.

-The Dog Nerd

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