Skip to main content

Sick of playing fetch? What to do if your dog is obsessed with ball toys

Dogs and tennis balls go together like peanut butter and jelly, but can too much of a good thing be a problem? There are pups out there who are more than fond of their ball toys — whether it comes to playing fetch or simply having a comfort item to carry around — though their obsession can leave their owners feeling tired and confused.

Even if you’re not engaged in a constant game of fetch, your dog’s ball obsession can get old. Luckily, we’ve consulted a few canine behavior experts, and we’ve learned a few strategies for using your dog’s favorite toy to your advantage.

Is your dog obsessed with balls? Here’s why — and what you can do about it.

A West Highland White Terrier runs and jumps after a tennis ball on the beach

Why is my dog obsessed with a ball?

Whether your pup is just a really big fan of fetch or he’s constantly obsessed with their favorite sphere, his interest in balls has more to do with prey than play. Centuries ago, canine ancestors had much stronger hunting instincts which were essential to the pack’s survival. Although these instincts have been “bred out” as dogs were domesticated, notes dog trainer Adrienne Farricelli, many of the same urges are still present — they just show themselves in different ways.

You’ll see a dog’s prey drive expressed in a safe way during playtime. Chasing, catching, and even destroying a ball can satisfy those basic instincts in a way that get’s your dog’s adrenaline rushing (via Farricelli). Just like a person debating one more bite of a yummy snack, a dog can easily find himself coming back to the ball to seek these feelings again and again.

A black Labrador retriever jumps to catch a tennis ball in midair

Can a dog be too obsessed with a ball?

Let’s stick with the snack analogy: too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing, right? It’s absolutely possible for a dog to enjoy playing with a ball so much that it’s hard to stop or to satisfy those instincts any other way.

Brian Gallardo with Awoken K9 Training notes that fixation can be one of the first signs of obsession, though it’s not necessarily concerning. When a dog is fixated on a ball, unable to take her eyes off it from the moment she sees it, that ball could become a helpful tool for training or a meaningful reward during special moments. When you begin to notice possessiveness, however, you may want to keep a closer eye on the situation.

It’s important that your dog does not see her toy as something more valuable than you, as this can make training and bonding difficult (via Gallardo). Obsession with a ball can also cause conflict between dogs or with anyone who tries to take the ball, even just for play. On a more basic level, a dog who feels obsessed with a ball can find herself chasing it into a dangerous area, like a busy street, in the blink of an eye.

A yellow Labrador retriever lies on their back in the grass and chews on a pink ball

How do I make my dog less obsessed with a ball?

While you may not be able to change the way your dog feels about his favorite ball, you can help him control how he acts around it.

Impulse control

A great place to start is with impulse control, which really just takes a lot of practice. You’re already one step ahead if you’ve tried obedience commands with your dog, as “sit,” “down,” and “wait” can be helpful in situations like this.

To practice impulse control, notes Gallardo, have your dog sit or lie down near the ball without touching it. Have her wait a moment before you reward her with some playtime, and see if you can increase her wait time by a few seconds the next time you try. Once your pup understands the concept of getting the reward, your job could get a ton easier.

Reward

In fact, using the ball as a reward can be helpful in a myriad of circumstances. Obedience, loose-leash walking, and even agility training can be a success when you find the right reward for your dog; just practice a bit of impulse control beforehand so your buddy can absorb what you’re trying to teach instead of only feeling the excitement for the ball.

Exercise

If your dog is obsessed with balls, why not use them to your advantage? You can engage your pet in a game of fetch to tire him out and keep him mentally stimulated — all without exerting yourself too much. As long as you take the time to teach your dog how to fetch, he’ll be the only one doing the running.

Believe it or not, it can get even easier. You can invest in a tennis ball launcher that will basically play fetch for you. Now you can give your arm a break while watching your pup enjoy his favorite activity. It’s a win-win!

So, if you have a ball-obsessed dog on your hands, don’t worry! Obsession with their favorite toy isn’t necessarily bad, and there are lots of things you can do in case it does become a problem. If you need to, you can always enlist the help of your local dog trainer, who can give you personalized advice based on your goals and your pup’s behavior. There are plenty of options out there, rest assured.

Editors' Recommendations

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
7 Japanese dog breeds that could be your perfect pet
Getting to know Japanese dog breeds: Shiba Inu, Akita, and more
A black and white Japanese Chin stands outside in the grass raising one paw

If you were to ask someone to name a Japanese dog breed, we'd be willing to bet that they'd mention Shiba Inu dogs first. And for a good reason! Shiba dogs are becoming increasingly popular around the world, especially after one lucky "doge" went viral in 2013. But they're not the only breed worth mentioning.
There are more than seven Japanese dog breeds out there, of course, but we chose these seven so you can compare and contrast these pups' unique qualities. From gentle giants to teacup cuties and everything in between, there just might be your perfect fit right here on this list!
Here are seven Japanese dog breeds we know and love.

Shiba Inu dogs are quite possibly the most famous Japanese breed, thanks to a meme
Whether you knew it at the time or not, you've probably seen a picture of the famous "doge" internet meme which features a Shiba Inu giving some major side-eye. And as it turns out, this infamous sass can be common in this self-assured breed!

Read more
Does your pet need to visit the dentist? Here’s how a dog teeth cleaning works
It seems scary but they won't feel or remember a thing
Doctor cleaning dog's teeth with toothbrush indoors

In theory, we all go to the dentist every six months to get our teeth cleaned, which helps keep the pearly whites in check and also contributes to overall health. Surprisingly, our pets also benefit from annual (or biennial) dental treatments. While these cleanings do wonders for your dog's teeth, they can make owners nervous and burn a hole in their wallets to boot. Here's why you should schedule regular cleanings for your pup.
How do I know if my dog's teeth need cleaning?
Unless it's a really severe case, you probably can't tell just by looking. Instead, your vet will take a peek in your animal's mouth during their yearly checkup. Your pet's doctor may give your furry friend a dental grade between 0 and 4, with 0 being reserved for puppies that have perfect teeth and 4 meaning Fido will likely require more advanced care, including extractions. Once you have the assessment, you can better determine if your pup needs a cleaning, but it's frequently recommended.
What happens during a dental cleaning
Some of that depends on the grade and your specific beast, but the gist of it stays the same. The main thing is not to worry too much because your little guy will be well cared for, and even though there's always some risk to anesthesia, this is a routine procedure.
Getting your pup ready
Before you even begin, you should get pre-op blood work done to make sure they can handle being under anesthesia. Have your vet discuss any outside-of-range findings and figure out the best way forward. Some older dogs develop kidney and liver problems, and your dog doc might decide that a cleaning isn't worth the risk.
Prepping for the cleaning
Your little guy will likely fast leading up to treatment (just as you would if you were going in for surgery). When you arrive, your vet will go over the schedule and almost certainly give them a once-over to confirm they're ready. Then they will get a sedative in preparation to go under. Figure out what time you need to pick them up and then try to distract yourself for a few hours.
During the procedure
Most vets will take X-rays, clean the teeth, and perform extractions as necessary. Don't worry — your pet will be fully asleep and will not remember or feel a thing. If they do need any teeth pulled, they might get additional shots during the visit (again, just as you would get Novocaine while getting your mouth done). Your vet may also take this opportunity to clip their nails (since they are asleep), if necessary.
Aftercare
If your dog had to have any work above a cleaning, you'll have a couple of meds to administer, such as pain medication and antibiotics. Follow the dosage carefully, especially if you're dealing with strong meds like codeine. In some circumstances, they may have to wear the cone of shame to prevent scratching at their mouth.
How else can you help your dog's oral hygiene?
There's a lot you can do as the pet parent in between cleanings. Consider brushing their teeth, giving doggie dental chews, putting an additive in their water, or putting them on prescription food if the issues are really severe.

The most important thing is to stay on top of your furry friend's oral health, just like you would with any other issues. That often means not feeding them human food, which can cause decay, and providing dry dog food or even dog bones to chew. As long as you stick with the routine, hopefully, you won't need too much extra detail care.

Read more
Bad dog? Bad pet parent: Why your dog’s disobedience is your fault
Pet parents need training, too. How to get back on track with your dog's training
A yellow Labrador retriever sticks his head in a grocery bag

If you ever uttered the words, "Help! My dog has become disobedient," then you're not alone. Badly behaved dogs are more common than most people realize, and that's actually a good thing. Because so many pet parents face the same issue, most dog owners have taken to the internet to share tips and tricks about the most effective training solutions for fearful, destructive, and even aggressive dogs.
That being said, each disobedient dog will react differently, so it may take time to discover a solution that works for you. We're here to share a few ideas to get you started, but keeping up with your dog's training is up to you.

At what age are dogs most disobedient?
Ugh — teenagers.
Parents of human kids can relate! Some of the most rebellious years happen during the teens for both people and dogs. When pups are between 5 to 18 months, they are starting to get more confident in their own bodies, often testing the boundaries of what they can and cannot do.
While you can’t stop your young dog’s rebellious phase, you can control how you respond to it. Staying consistent with your training is key to reinforcing expectations and showing your dog that it’s not effective to push the boundaries. No matter how cute your pup might be — you can’t give in!

Read more