Dog owners know that their pets love to play ball. It’s a perfect opportunity to spend time with your pet and exercise together. However, while this is an activity that can be fun and healthy for both of you, there are a few things to keep in mind to make playing ball with your dog safe.
Playing ball safely
Here are some considerations for playing ball with your dog safely:
- Adequate size. The ball to play with your dog should be appropriate to its size to avoid inconveniences. If it is too large, you may have trouble biting it or picking it up. If, on the other hand, it is too large, it could be swallowed.
- Suitable material. The material of the ball to play with your dog is also important. If you choose a ball with a hard cover you could damage their teeth. In general, it is advisable to purchase items that have been designed for pets, as this will give you a guarantee that they are suitable.
- The moment. It is good to choose times to play that do not have extreme temperatures. For example, in summer it would not be convenient to choose the hottest hours and in winter it would not be good to go out when it is too cold.
- Space. The ideal is to play with your dog in a park, but you must make sure it is a space where there are no major slopes or objects with which he can get hurt.
- Hydration. Whenever you play with your dog, make sure he is well hydrated. You can bring water for him to drink when he needs it.
Why dogs love to play ball
Dogs are enthusiastic about playing ball because it is in their genes. In fact, chasing a moving ball, catching it and carrying it with the mouth are the same actions that wolves perform to hunt. These are the different phases of the predatory sequence of wolves, which dogs have inherited.
Some breeds of dogs such as golden retrievers or Labradors have more developed phases of the predatory sequence than others. But in reality, almost all dogs get excited about chasing a ball.
Enjoying exercise and the outdoors
Dogs usually love to play. That’s why they enjoy activities like chasing and fetching a ball. They will also be happy with other games where they can run, jump and expend energy. And of course, spending free time with their owners.
In addition, the benefits of outdoor activities are twofold: both for your pet and for people. This is because it is an opportunity for physical exercise that will help improve the physical and mental condition of both.
On the other hand, to enhance your dog’s fun, you can teach your dog to play and give him treats when he achieves goals such as catching a ball or similar things. For example, when he brings the ball back you can give him a caress or words of praise.
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