Dogs have a built-in instinct to chase after things that move. Over years and years of domestication, dogs’ hunting aspect has been watered down, and because of this, chasing (rather than killing) became fun. Balls are handy objects that roll easily and fit in the dog’s mouth with ease — how convenient!
My Labrador Retriever Is Ball-Obsessed
You may be saying, “My Labrador retriever is ball-obsessed.” Like young children, Labs seem to have boundless energy. Yes, you might wear out before your Lab does! If you’re not up to an active lifestyle, this breed may not be your best choice for a pet. Labs have been known to play fetch with their owners for hours at a time.
As we all know, other dog breeds are mesmerized by balls also. As puppies, they learn to fetch — then we reward them with treats and special attention. There’s nothing more rewarding to our canine pets as our attention and interaction with them.
My dog Sweet Pea, who passed away this summer, absolutely loved her ball. All it took was for her to simply hear the word “ball,” and she would begin searching the backyard and her doghouse until she found it. She loved to catch it in mid-air. She also wanted me to roll it, so she could fetch it and bring it back to me. I usually wore out long before she did. After her death, when we buried her, it just seemed right to bury her beloved ball by her side.
When It’s a Problem
Ninety-nine percent of the time, “too much ball fetching” is no big deal. But perhaps your Lab is stealing balls from other dogs. If so, you need to correct this behavior by commanding her to “leave it” and by redirecting your dog’s attention. (If your dog does not sit on command, regardless of how many balls are flying in the air, you should work on this obedience lesson.) If ball-stealing continues to be a problem, make sure there are no balls or toys around when your dog socializes with other dogs. Out of sight, out of mind. Many dog parks do not permit balls, Frisbees or other toys for this very reason.
In the very slight chance that an extreme ball obsession seems to be getting in the way of your Labrador retriever’s mental well-being, try getting her to fetch and retrieve non-ball objects. Set up an obstacle course in your yard by placing still objects there for your pet to investigate. You can also make scent tracks, making her use her nose to find things she likes. Your Lab will get tired, but not overstressed, when she is getting stimulation through her senses (sight, scent and taste). Be sure to build in periods of rest, which wild dogs create for themselves.
Strike a Good Balance
You may still be saying, “My Labrador retriever is ball-obsessed,” but the key is to find a balance between your dog’s physical exercise needs and her need for mental stimulation. These two things are crucial. They are also important pieces to having a dog that behaves in the manner we would like.
