A friend of mine had a rescue, and she taught the dog to play, by sitting close to a wall with her dog on leash with her. Then she tossed a ball gently against the wall, and caught it herself. If the dog showed any interest, she would calmly praise, treat, and play session was done. She did this 2 to 3 times a day, sometimes for only a minute or 2, then just left the ball on the floor for the dog to see. It took a couple of weeks, but her dog, on its own, picked up the ball gave it to my friend, and sat by the wall. My friend threw it, (gently) and didn't retrieve it herself. Her dog looked at the ball, and went and got it herself.
They now are playing fetch outside on nice days, and the dog loves the game.
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I Love my dogs, they keep me focused! 
And here is another one, "My dogs aren't spoiled, we are just well trained!" |