Dogs enjoy playing the “keep away game,” and if their owners are game, they will play it with them as well as with other dogs. Dogs enjoy playing it since it is a game that they are born knowing how to play. Puppies and dogs who have never been taught to play it can be seen doing so. The prerequisites include a dog who enjoys being chased and an owner who is prepared to run a little bit (or at least attempt).
Probably many times before, your dog has invited you to play this game. Typically, it begins with your dog looking at you and possibly barking at you as the tail wags rapidly side to side in a play bow. Your dog is anticipating with glowing eyes and trembling body. Then, when you begin to approach your dog gently, he suddenly sprints away in anticipation of your attempting to capture him. Dogs bark enthusiastically, as though to say, “Come and get me, catch me if you can!”
Coincidentally, this habit seems to manifest itself just when you need need to grab your dog. It almost seems as if he can read your mind when you tell him it’s time to leave the dog park or return inside after being outside. Most likely, he truly does know what will happen next, especially if you have practiced the chasing behavior before.
Now imagine yourself approaching your dog and just as you’re about to pull the collar from him, he swerves away, making you appear like a complete moron. If you can hold slippery fish more easily, you understand what I mean.
A Variant Game of “Keep Away”
If the dog occurs to take something in his mouth, the game can take on an even more entertaining twist. He approaches you to reveal his gift before speaking to you in dog terms “You desire this? Really, do you want it? Come get it, then! “then your dog scurrying off.
The object selected is frequently something the owner is not supposed to have, much to the owner’s chagrin. Again, when your dog does this, he is not being mischievous or vindictive. He has only recently discovered via prior associations that you only become active and show interest in playing this game when you grab this specific object.
So, congrats if you start screaming and chasing your dog around the house every time it grabs your pricey Victoria Secret bra. You’ve just taught your dog to get more and more enamored with this game!
Positive Reinforcement Training at Work
Now, keep in mind that actions that are reinforced tend to repeat in behavior science (that’s the power of positive reinforcement training), so if you have previously caved and unintentionally played this game with your dog, he’ll probably want to play it with you more and more!
However, you might question, “How can my dog really enjoy this game if I’m always fuming and swearing as I try to catch him or reclaim the object he grabbed?” Your dog probably believes that all of your array of behaviors is amusing.
Yes, your play behavior may be a little strange, but since you’re often rushing after him, your dog may assume that you’re at least having fun. And even if he occasionally had doubts, the rush of adrenaline from being pursued will likely outweigh and even undo your irritated actions.
Why does my dog prefer to play keep away to fetch?
Because they are still learning the game’s rules, some dogs don’t play fetch. However, a lot of dogs don’t enjoy dropping the ball and giving it to us because the game we’re forcing them to play isn’t particularly enjoyable for them.
For instance, I frequently observe owners ordering their dog to toss the ball into their hand, sit, and wait between throws. Instead of being a fun, it appears to be more like a military exercise, and both the dog and the owner seem to be annoyed.
If you don’t want to play keepaway, that’s fine; I understand. Consider, though, that if your dog really enjoys that game, perhaps we should meet in the middle!
If keepaway is simply not an option and you’re having trouble teaching your dog to play fetch, think about investing on a flirt pole.
Your dog may find Keepaway to be quite entertaining, or perhaps he simply doesn’t want YOU to have the toy since you’re not very entertaining to play with.
Are you being a bossy playmate?
Scenes like this make me think of playing on the playground with the one child who insisted on creating their own rules for the game and forcing everyone else to follow them. That wasn’t exactly enjoyable, as I recall. I believe that most of our dogs share this sentiment.
To put it simply, your dog may be playing keepaway because it is more entertaining than playing fetch according to your rules.
Your first task, if this is your issue, should be to teach your dog that interacting with you is FUN FUN FUN! It’s fun to come up to you with a toy!
Try the “Chase ME! Game to teach your dog to come to you
Making a break for it with the toy only makes the dog ignore you (so make sure you’re in a safe place).
I actually turn away from a dog that likes to play keepaway if it comes up to me with a toy while putting on a pleasant face and making bouncy knees. I might hop around and edge away from him in an effort to draw him in.
If he does, I might push him or the item in a playful manner (not pulling at it). This instructs him to drive AT ME and keep coming back.
Of course, some dogs may be frightened by this type of play. If this strategy doesn’t work, try playing a little more subtly.
Try introducing more toys
You are prepared for the following stage if your dog can follow you and engage in light play with you.
Next time your dog comes to you rather than scurrying away to play keepaway, give him a treat and then toss a toy his way.
Don’t try to outdo your dog’s favorite squeaky toy by selecting a dull, outdated toy. Instead, make sure this item is just as thrilling as your dog’s present toy.
Throw the toy so your dog has to go around you to retrieve it by throwing it away from you and your dog.
Great if he pursues the new toy! Gather the old one and resume your “Play the game “Chase Me!” again after a short while (not right away).
It’s okay if he chooses not to play with the new toy. Return to the “After some time, try again in the game Chase ME! If it fails once again, try another strategy.
Teach your dog that dropping the toy is a GREAT idea
Sometimes we make the mistake of trying to stop a game by yanking a toy from our dogs. What just did our dogs discover? That granting us access to the toy is a terrible idea.
Teach your canine companion that dropping the toy is FUN FUN FUN! If he drops the toy, throw it back right away, bounce around, and act incredibly silly.
Another toy or even food might be thrown to him as a reward for dropping the toy.
Instead, think about just letting your dog retain the toy until he drops it and finishes the game on his own if you’re going to do something unpleasant (like end the game).
I frequently fasten the leash, play with my dog for a little longer (let’s say, tug of war for 20 seconds), and then let him take the toy home. This teaches him that using a leash isn’t always terrible.
You may start playing fetch properly whenever your dog consistently drops the toy in anticipation of more activity or treats. At this time, it’s acceptable if you need to walk a little to grab the toy. We want it to be enjoyable and simple!
Start throwing the toy behind you so that the dog is actually brought closer to where the toy will end up if your dog prefers to dump the toy 10 feet away from you.
If all else fails, try a flirt pole
How to construct and use a flirt pole has already been covered in detail. They rank among my all-time favorite answers for situations where people and dogs simply cannot agree on how to play.
Why do dogs flee while carrying toys?
Puppies willfully steal things out of curiosity. His entire universe is brand-new to him, and he discovers new things via talking. He is learning when he takes your belongings; he is not attempting to be impolite or mischievous. Most canine thieves are between the ages of six and 18 months. Dogs simply comprehend wants and requirements; they have no concept of possession. He will take and wish to keep something if he needs or wants it. He will flee if you try to take it from him. Because he has discovered that if he takes anything, you might try to take it away, a dog will grasp and run. He has also discovered that being pursued is enjoyable, so he is anticipating being pursued by you, which will only heighten his enthusiasm.
Breeds of dogs raised to find, carry, and retrieve objects, such as Golden Retrievers, Papillons, Yorkshire Terriers, and gun dogs, appear to be more prone to grab and flee. They appear to have a thing in their mouths by nature. Your adult dog may be snatching and running for a number of reasons if he is. Choosing an object to chew on most likely stems from the desire to chew and release tension. Breeds that require a lot of physical exercise and mental challenge, like Border Collies and German-Shorthaired Pointers, may resort to stealing as a way to release tension. If your dog spends a lot of time inside the home or in the same old yard, he might be stealing to spice things up. Dogs frequently steal your socks and underwear because they like you and they smell like you, and they usually do it because they want to be near you. The reason why most dogs steal food eventually is more out of want than hunger. No matter why he steals, the act itself is almost always satisfying to him. He is thrilled, reassured, nourished, and pursued when he steals. He is triumphant. Dogs have developed the ability to run away following a grab since you probably chased them to get the object. Your dog just sees what he wants and takes it; he doesn’t think of things as “yours and mine.” He interprets your pursuit of him as a game of “chase and keep away.” He enjoys the enjoyable game and your attention, and he now understands another method to keep you interested.
Why does my dog flee when we’re playing?
Frustration. If your dog becomes bored, they may find a means to escape. They may be lonely because you left them alone for a while. The lack of toys or other dogs to play with could also be the reason of their excessive energy.
Or it’s possible that they are having more fun elsewhere. They might be visiting a neighbor with pets or young children to play with.
separation phobia. Because being apart from you worries them out, your dog may take to the road. Do they become tense as you prepare to leave? When you’re not home, do they damage anything in the house? Or are they housetrained yet still have mishaps? All of these could be indications of separation anxiety.
Typically, a dog suffering from separation anxiety may bolt as soon as you leave. The good news is that they’ll probably remain local.
Fear. Some canines flee out of fear. Fireworks and thunderstorms are two common phobias. A loud noise usually causes 1 in 5 misplaced pets to disappear.
drive by sex. Unfixed dogs may run away in quest of a mate. Dogs reach sexual maturity at roughly 6 months of age. It might be quite difficult to contain them because of their intense drive.
Do canines enjoy being pursued?
Your dog is not the only one who enjoys playing the game of being chased. Many dogs enjoy being chased and can play in this manner for hours. However, you could be looking for another activity to keep your dog entertained because you’ve grown weary of just jogging and chasing them about.
If you don’t play with your dog, what happens?
According to a recent study from Bristol University, play is essential for the health of our pets. According to a survey of 4,000 dog owners, dogs who don’t play a lot exhibit behavioral problems like anxiety and hostility.
Additionally, less opportunities for play result in more whining, jumping up, and disobedience to commands. Scientists are starting to concur that a dog’s happiness is mostly dependent on play. Dogs: Their Secret Lives, a Channel 4 program, will air the complete investigation.
Why doesn’t my dog bring the ball back after chasing it?
Some dogs choose not to retrieve the ball because they think they will be punished if they do. The same applies to a dog being asked to perform a sit stay when she returns the ball; the dog may interpret this as losing her independence. To keep your dog entertained, keep the game going.
Should my dog and I go on a chase?
Only when your dog is so well-trained that you can stop the game and effectively call her back to you at any time is it advisable to chase after her. Playing chase with your dog in an inappropriate setting or at the wrong time might throw off his training and draw unfavorable attention from other animals.
Why do dogs return with balls?
The first step in teaching a dog to drop a ball at your feet is to consider the potential causes of the behavior. You might be able to solve the problem and troubleshoot it using the knowledge you get from this.
Dogs are distinct individuals with particular interests, likes, and dislikes. They frequently lack human language mastery and tend to have their own agendas. Dogs typically have a variety of excuses for not bringing the ball all the way back to you when playing fetch. These motives consist of…
Your dog wants to play a different game
When playing with several dogs at once, you can observe this. The behavior of these dogs is to chase the toy, seize it, and tease the other dogs into chasing them.
Hunting dogs, such as pointers, prefer to chase after the ball than bring it back. They have a strong desire to hunt. The retriever is unique. They are accustomed to locating shot birds and giving them back to their owner or hunter.
Dogs just need to be taught that everything has its own place and time to avoid this issue. They are allowed to play fetch, but not chase. The regulations of each game are usually strengthened when the games are separated. This method ensures that everyone leaves with what they wanted, which results in training sessions that are genuinely gratifying.
Your dog doesn’t want the game to end
Your dog might avoid bringing the ball back if they think it will terminate the game of fetch if they make that association. They can miss the request to drop the ball or drop it far away. Anything but returning it to you immediately because they probably believe that will result in the end of their game.
By varying the length of the game and the time you take the ball at the conclusion, you can overcome this difficulty. Change these elements at random to keep your dog guessing and prevent the negative associations.
Over time, your dog will cease striving to continue the game despite failing to recover the ball and will start to merely enjoy the action.
Your dog may not understand your request
Despite their best efforts, dogs struggle to fully comprehend what we are trying to communicate.
Dogs may not fully understand your request if they don’t bring the ball all the way back.
You might need to demonstrate to your dog what you need from them in order to solve this issue, and then reward them lavishly when they comply.
It is crucial to capture the precise moment when your dog fully comprehends and displays their comprehension. Throw the greatest award party ever when that occurs, complete with lots of dancing, praise, and treats!
Your dog is possessive of the ball
Some dogs will rather guard and retain the ball than pass it to you. When you move to take the ball away from them and they flee, they find it amusing.
How should a possessive dog be handled? Use positive reinforcement when exchanging the ball for a goodie.
