My Lan doesn't seem overly keen on balls, he's far more into his stuffed fox, which he carries nearly everywhere with him (not a real fox, a child's stuffed animal). I haven't tried the fox outside as it's white and already gets filthy as it is (stupid choice on my part!). I'm wondering if he would enjoy fetching a dummy or something similar instead of a ball? Maybe something like this? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chuckit-Am...009O36896/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 I don't know if he would destroy it or not, I also don't know if he would find it more rewarding or not. Just wondering what people's experiences/opinions are as I don't want to buy something too blindly and have it be for nought.
It depends how you want to use it really.Ive got similar but they have survived because I don't use them as 'toys' .My dog was a very reluctant retriever,he's still not the most enthusiastic to be honest,he does it out of duty rather than joy! Soft toys like your fox are rewards/fun items for us....I currently walk with a stuffed walrus down the back of my trousers,hey ho! Have you tried one of the frisbee type toys? Dexter loves them because they roll and bounce more than a ball when they land ....
Something like this maybe? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ring-Frisb...s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1489575965&sr=1-24
I think my Lab fits into the "reluctant retriever" category as well. I guess I'm looking for something that will help he and I connect when off lead, say at the beach or park or what have you, to keep his focus on me more than running around like a loon and potentially bothering people (hasn't happened yet as the opportunity hasn't arisen but it is a concern). But he has to be really into it, which he isn't with balls. I haven't tried a frisbee, that sounds like something to give a go. Funny at the walrus, must be a sight
Heavens we are always a sight! It's Visitor Season In Dubai so his soft toy collection has increased significantly...visitors are very generous and then VERY disappointed if I'm not quick enough and a dissection occurs! Just to say to get Dexter running more keenly after a ball I used to 'race' him too it..l put all thoughts of steadiness away for a long time.He never really cottoned on he would always beat me ,but it definately increased his desire....I have to be really careful still not to overuse a tennis ball......he can get after one like a legend or he can just go 'Meh,get it yourself' !!!!! Not to forget though our action is all about pet playing and keeping his focus on me we aren't for anything training seriously
I have all sorts of balls, dummies and toys for my dogs. They love all of them, plastic, canvas, rabbit fur covered or plain old tennis balls and a very special camel from Dubai! But I never leave anything with the dog once I have stopped playing with dog and whatever toy. I put it away until we play again. Control the toys, control the dog. The dummy you linked to looks as good as anything even though it is a little expensive. It doesn't have to be anything expensive to hold huge value for your dog. It is what you do with it that matters.
Charlie is a non retriever outside and I have tried everything, slowly, slowly building up the desire, hiding the toy away and using it on my terms, I followed Pippa's clicker retrieve and still a big fat ZERO. I would give my eye teeth for him to retrieve just about anything including socks, knickers, bras you name it I'm up for it and that includes outside too x
This is something I haven't been doing, they're always accessible. I'll need to get something new and high reward then
