How many of you use one of these when you walk your dog?
Every day I see owners using them, totally oblivious to the damage they can do & the issues they can cause to other walkers & their dogs. People pull up in the car park of my local park, and throw open the boot & before the dog has even jumped out they are launching balls in all directions, regardless of other people & dogs in the area. They do not consider their dog at risk of physical injury due to such activity when they haven't been properly warmed up.
As well as the physical injury, there's a risk of obsessive behaviour, especially in herding breeds, which can become fixated on chasing a ball over everything else. The whole walk for them revolves around chasing a ball.
Owners of active/high-drive breeds seem to believe that physical exercise is needed to tire their dogs out. This just isn't the case, whilst all dogs need exercise to keep them physically fit, mental exercise is far more tiring. Hiding a toy, or ball for them to find during their walk, allows the dog to use its natural senses to locate it, rather than running wildly back & forth. As for other owners, having another dog running flat out toward you in pursuit of a ball is worrying. It's also highly dangerous. What if you're walking an old, reactive, nervous dog or puppy in training? How do they feel about another dog racing in their direction? Whilst a game of fetch with your dog is great fun, don't let it become obsessive, dangerous, or a substitute for proper exercise & mental stimulation.
I'm adding links to some excellent articles on the subject
The Veterinary Perspective from the Canine Arthritis Management Team HERE
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