Why playing fetch is bad for your dog.

Playing fetch is an age old game for dogs and, at face value, seems like a great way to bond with your dog and get them to exercise while you sit on a bench. The problem is that repetitive, high-intensity fetch can cause a few different issues for some dogs — especially when it's overdone or not properly managed.

Here’s why fetch can be problematic:

🚨 1. High-Impact Strain on Joints

• Repeated sprinting, skidding, jumping, and abrupt stops/turns put intense pressure on the hips, shoulders, stifles (knees), and spine.

• This can aggravate or contribute to injuries, especially in dogs with:

  • Hip or elbow dysplasia

  • Cruciate ligament issues

  • Arthritis

🌀 2. Lack of Movement Variety

• Fetch usually involves linear movement — straight out, sharp turn, straight back — with little variation.

• This can overwork specific muscle groups and neglect others, leading to imbalances.

😬 3. Overexcitement and Adrenaline Spikes

• Many dogs get hyper-focused during fetch. They ignore pain, fatigue, or injury signals because of the adrenaline rush.

• They may push through strain or injury just to keep going.

🧠 4. Mental and Behavioural Impact

• Repetitive, obsessive fetch (especially with high-energy breeds) can lead to:

  • Over-arousal

  • Anxiety

  • Frustration when not allowed to play

  • Even signs of canine OCD

🐺 In the wild, dogs (or wolves) follow a predatory sequence: orient, visually focus on prey, stalk, chase, grab-bite, kill-bite, dissect, consume.

Most domestic dogs are genetically hardwired to enjoy parts of this sequence — especially the chase. But fetch usually only engages:

• Chase

• (Maybe) Grab-bite (when they catch the ball)

And then? It stops.

❌ What’s missing:

• The emotional satisfaction from capturing, killing, and especially consuming the prey.

• The sense of closure that comes with completing the “hunt.”

• The natural reward chemicals like dopamine and endorphins that build during a full predatory sequence are interrupted.

  
  

Better Alternatives to playing fetch:

🧠 1. Scent Work (Nose Games)

Why it’s better: Uses a dog’s natural scenting ability, highly stimulating, low physical strain.

Ideas:

• Hide treats or toys around the house/garden.

• Use a snuffle mat or scent box.

• Try beginner scent detection kits or games like “find it.”

Mental benefit: Engages the olfactory system — the most powerful part of a dog’s brain.

🎾 2. Tug of War

Why it’s better: Controlled, engaging, low-impact.

Tips:

• Use a tug toy with good grip and cushioning.

• Teach a solid “drop it” cue.

• Avoid wild jerking to protect neck and jaw.

• Play on softer surfaces with better grip, like grass rather than concrete or wooden floors.

Bonus: Builds impulse control and trust when played with clear rules.

🧩 3. Puzzle Toys and Food Games

Why it’s better: Makes your dog “work” for food — brain enrichment without running.

Examples:

• KONGs stuffed with food.

• Nina Ottosson puzzle toys.

• DIY puzzles (e.g., muffin tin with tennis balls and hidden treats).

🦴 4. Trick Training

Why it’s better: Builds mental stamina, confidence, and strengthens your bond.

Start with:

• Shake, spin, bow, tidy up toys.

• Target training or using a clicker.

• Keep sessions short and rewarding.

Bonus: Great for rainy days or limited space.

🧘 5. Canine Enrichment Stations

Why it’s better: Offers free choice and exploration, not performance-based.

Components:

• Cardboard boxes to shred (just make sure they don’t swallow the cardboard in case it contains glue).

• Scented objects or textures.

• Calming lick mats.

🪑 6. Target Work or Platform Games

Why it’s better: Low joint strain, teaches body awareness.

Ideas:

• Train your dog to stand on a mat, touch a target with their nose/paw.

• Use a balance disc for slow controlled movements.

• Ideal for confidence building.

🎓 7. Obedience Games (With a Twist)

Why it’s better: Refines everyday skills in a fun way.

Examples:

• “Go to mat” from increasing distances.

• Recall games using indoor hallways.

• “Which hand?” treat guessing game.

⚠️ General Tips:

Avoid repetitive jumping, sharp turns, or abrupt stopping to reduce the impact on your dog’s joints. Swap a tennis ball for a cuddly toy that they can shake and shred to simulate killing a prey, and reduce the frequency and intensity of play.

Use soft surfaces where possible such as long grass. Chances are, they’ll find a scent of a real animal and get distracted from the game anyway. Make sure you warm up with a walk before playing and incorporate calm-down time after a cool down. Look for calming behaviours such as chewing and licking after stimulating play. If your dog struggles to calm down on their own, crate training could be a solution for them.