National Fetch Day: 7 Ways to Play Better, Safer Fetch

in Check It Out!

Today is National Fetch Day. It falls on the third Saturday of October every year, and it was started by Chuckit!, the dog toy brand, to celebrate exercise and the bond between dogs and their people.

Fetch looks simple. Throw the ball. Dog brings the ball. Repeat until someone's arm falls off. Still, a few small changes can make the game safer, smarter, and a lot more fun for both of you.

Here are seven ways to play better fetch today.

1. Warm up first

Dogs can go from zero to full speed in a flash. Take a five minute walk before the first throw. Easy movement wakes up the muscles and helps prevent pulled legs and sore backs.

2. Pick the right ground

Grass and soft dirt are best. Skip slick floors, ice, and hot pavement. Hard surfaces are rough on paws and joints, especially when your dog turns fast.

3. Pick the right toy

Choose a ball or toy that fits your dog's mouth with room to spare. Too small is a swallowing risk. Skip sticks too. Sticks can splinter and cause real mouth injuries.

4. Keep sessions short

Ten to fifteen minutes is plenty for many dogs. Puppies and older dogs need even shorter rounds. Watch your dog's breathing, their pace, and how they walk after a throw. Heavy panting, limping, or slow returns mean it's time to stop and rest.

5. Teach the swap

Many dogs love to run off with the ball. The swap game fixes that. Hold a treat near your dog's nose and say drop it. When the ball hits the ground, give the treat and throw the ball again. Your dog learns that giving back the ball makes the game keep going, and that's the whole secret to fetch.

6. Mix it up

Dogs love a challenge. Try hide and seek with the ball in tall grass. Throw it uphill once in a while for an easy workout. Ask for a sit before each throw to add a little brain work to the game.

7. End while it's still fun

Stop the game while your dog still wants more. Leave them thinking about tomorrow. A dog who's too tired will stop enjoying it, and a dog who's wanting more will meet you at the door next time.

The treat for the swap

The swap game needs a reward your dog really wants. Snappin' Salmon is a favorite around here. It has one ingredient: wild-caught salmon, air-dried. That's the whole list. It's a real food reward, which gives your dog a good reason to hand over the ball.

Give small pieces. A game with 20 throws can mean 20 treats, and that adds up fast. Small pieces keep the reward exciting without turning a workout into a snack session.

What if your dog doesn't fetch?

That's okay. Some dogs never get into it. Try tug, a snuffle walk where they sniff for tossed treats in the grass, or a quick game of find it inside the house. Exercise comes in many shapes, and your dog will tell you which one fits.

Some cats play fetch too. If yours drops a crinkle ball at your feet, you already know.