1. Home
  2. Dogs

Video: Adorable dog thinks the TV wants to play fetch

This is why dogs love the game fetch so much

By

Some pups just can’t ever get enough playtime and will take every opportunity to chase a ball, even a virtual one. Videos of cats and dogs watching TV frequently catch our attention because they remind us how much more advanced our animals are than we really understand. Unlike us, though, this doggo doesn’t quite get that he can’t jump into the action on the screen, sadly for him. Watch this video of a dog playing fetch, or at least attempting to.

The video opens with a shot of a person throwing a football in a yard on the TV. The player tosses the ball, and it goes offscreen as we pan to a beloved dog watching it excitedly. He tries to follow the football, not realizing that it exists in a completely separate time and place. He looks back and forth, seeming to question his pet parent about the laws of physics, not understanding where the chaseable football went. It ends with the sound of his delighted person laughing in the background. The caption sums it up perfectly with: Huh? Mom, where’d it go?

Recommended Videos

The comments took the pup’s side and praised his smarts, with top poster Sam Smith saying, “Where’s the ball?” Oddwin2.0 mentions: This is actually a sign of intelligence. Even though it looks silly, this big guy definitely has a lot of brains in there.” Lastly, a few humans called out the hilarious ending with Elissa saying, “THE LOOK ?”

Ray Bilcliff / Pexels

Why do dogs like to play fetch?

Part of what makes our canines such good companions is their love of games. Most dogs want to play with humans — in fact, it could be in their breeding. Research says that when we bred dogs to work alongside humans, we also got a beastie that wants to play with us, according to Forbes. Niclas Kolm, an evolutionary biologist researcher, posits, “It’s maybe easier to train a dog when they are very keen on playing with you.” Interestingly, that means certain breed groups play less than others — noticeably, Toy breeds play the least while Sporting dogs, like Labs, play the most. That definitely tracks.

So why is fetch the most classic human-canine pastime? We just mentioned that the retrievers seem particularly inclined toward play because of their breeding and, as the name suggests, their job is to fetch during the hunt. When there are no animals around that need grabbing, they chase balls instead. Many of the breeds have something else that they have been trained for and use these skills in various play, including fetch, puzzle treats, and performing tricks. No wonder Chihuahuas aren’t as inclined toward playtime — their favorite game is sitting around, exactly what they were bred to do. So next time your dog wants a game, but you’re too busy, perhaps you can just throw a game of football onto the TV instead.

Editors' Recommendations

Rebekkah Adams
Contributor
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
Why is my dog barking at nothing? There’s often a really good reason
Your dog likely isn't barking at "nothing" after all

Virtually every dog barks every now and again, but sometimes that barking can get to be too much. It's easier to address excessive barking when you can figure out what your dog is trying to tell you or alert you of, but dog owners know it's not always obvious. In fact, it can be a bit unnerving when your dog is barking at an empty wall.

You're certainly not alone if you find yourself asking, "Why is my dog barking at nothing?" This is a common question among dog owners, and it's something that veterinarians and animal behaviorists have studied as well. There's usually a reason behind dogs' barking, after all, so it's worth looking into to make sure your furry friend is alright.

Read more
3 effective tips to make puppy sleep training less of a nightmare
Help your puppy get to sleep with this guide

Bringing home a new puppy means you’re in for a whole lot of cute … and a lot less sleep. Before 4 months of age, a pup’s sleeping schedule consists of naps throughout the day and night — not the nighttime slumber you’re used to! This is a habit he'll grow out of, but with a few cozy arrangements, you can help your puppy sleep through the night with ease.
Puppy sleep training takes some preparation and time, but it can be done. The first few nights might be difficult if you have a stubborn pup who isn’t ready to hit the hay, but he'll get used to it in time. Here’s what you need to know.
According to the folks at Purina, a puppy is likely to sleep all the way through the night around 16 weeks of age. Although they will need a lot of sleep — around 17 to 20 hours a day — for the first several months of life, these naps will come in small chunks throughout the day. Just like human babies, young puppies alternate between periods of energy and rest, so it’s important to let them sleep when and where they need to.

Should you crate train your puppy?
Sleeping in a crate can benefit both you and your dog, especially when he's younger. A small puppy will have trouble controlling his bladder and might want to chew, which means containing him is essential to keeping him safe. You definitely don't want your animal to swallow something dangerous in the night or while he's home alone.

Read more
Why do dogs cry? The 5 most common reasons
Is crying a real thing with dogs? Find out here

One of the best parts of dog ownership is having someone to comfort you when things feel tough, and we try to do the same for them. However, dogs can cry for all sorts of reasons, and it's not always a good idea to indulge them. Sometimes you need to train your pup that crocodile tears won't get them their way — when they cry to get out of the crate or to get a treat, for example.

On the flip side, you always should keep a watchful eye out for cries that indicate a deeper issue, like sudden pain or discomfort. So you know whether to turn a deaf ear or reach for your phone to call the vet, these are five of the most common reasons your pooch might cry.

Read more