Hi everyone! I have a 3 yrs old yellow lab that we rescued last summer. When we got him he was neutered at the shelter and thus had lots of energy to play with dogs and even us. I've noticed the last little while he will go to the park but he won't play with the other dogs. They want to play with him, they will go after his face but he won't do anything. When I mentioned that I had a frisbee but he won't play with it, he will only play with balls and will stop fairly soon, they looked at me and said does he not have toys at home. He does but doesnt play with them. How do I increase his energy and desire to play with other dogs. Thanks!
Elliot, not all dogs want to play with other dogs. Why do you want your dog to do this? Many dogs simply don't enjoy it. Not all people enjoy going to nightclubs - some just want a quiet time by themselves to enjoy the outdoors. Please learn from what your dog is telling you. It is very unpleasant if a dog doesn't want to play to have other dogs jumping at his face, not to mention impolite on the part of the other dogs. I never quite understand the general public's obsession with dogs playing. It's always everyone's favourite part of the puppy classes I run, then they take them to dog parks or let them run off to other dogs and play with them when exercised - meanwhile the dog loses interest in their handler and then I get loads of behavioural consultations seeking help because the dog isn't controllable and just wants to play with other dogs. There is a place for dog-dog play but it's not the meaning of life for dog or handler. If you have a polite dog which just wants to have a sniff of another dog and move on, many owners with dog-obsessed dogs would kill for that so don't take it for granted!
