How to Safely Play Fetch with your Dog

Adem Fehmi is a dog behaviourist and trainer for the grain-free dog food brand Barking Heads.

How to get my dog to drop a ball?

“It is important to note that if your dog is showing any signs of being possessive (regardless of whether this is accompanied by aggression or not) it is extremely important to seek the advice of an experienced and accredited behaviourist to overcome this problem and also help to prevent it from escalating”.

It is also important to never snatch, forcefully remove a toy from your dog’s mouth, or tell your dog off for not releasing a toy (or any other item) as this can be a negative experience for your dog and, in some cases, can make the problem worse. In more extreme cases, this can even lead to possessive aggression that could put you and others at risk of being bitten and seriously harmed”, warned Adem.

An experienced behaviourist will be able to tell you why your dog is not letting go of their toy, and if you are certain that your dog is not being possessive, you can try the simple tips I recommend in this article”. 

Why do dogs hang on to the ball?

“A dog holding onto a ball or toy in a game of chase can be common but can also happen for a few reasons. It can be tricky to be able to play with your dog if this is a behaviour they exhibit and to overcome this behaviour, it is necessary to look at WHY your dog is reluctant to give up their ball or toy once they have it”.

“Firstly, it could just be that your dog wants to instigate a game of tug, or it could be that they simply do not understand that they need to drop the toy in order for the game to continue. In other cases, however, it could also be a form of possession, for which the degree can vary from simply sitting by a ball and ‘claiming’ it, to showing aggressive or reactive behaviour towards anyone (or other dogs and pets) who come near them when they are in possession of the toy”, Adem commented. 

Fetch Safety Tips

Playing fetch with your dog is a fantastic way to spend quality time together and keep your furry friend physically and mentally stimulated, and can help stop your dog from getting bored.

Following the expert fetch safety tips below, you can ensure your fetch sessions are enjoyable and injury-free for you and your beloved furry companion.

Teach ‘Mine’ or ‘Drop’

“You can use any command that asks your dog to release the toy. You’ll need a tasty treat or other reward that your dog values for this exercise.

An accredited trainer or training school can help you teach this command. Ensure your training is always based on positive reinforcement”, Adem recommended. 

Try the ‘Swap’ tactic

“Try the ‘swap’ tactic with a tasty treat your dog enjoys and values – have both a ball and some tasty treats. When your dog returns with their toy, offer them a treat so that they release the toy and you can get ready to throw it again”. 

“Try the ‘swap’ tactic with another ball – have two balls for your dog. When your dog returns with the first ball, hold the second ball up and wait for your dog to drop the first ball before throwing the second”, Adem also recommended. 

Don’t throw sticks

Our very own vet at Perfect Pet, Tom-Rhind Tutt BVetMed MRCVS, said, “Sticks are incredibly dangerous to dogs, and I have seen countless preventable injuries such as stick splintering and stabbing, with sticks sometimes becoming stuck inside the mouth or nose, causing at times serious life-threatening injuries”.

Choose the right location

Selecting a safe and secure location for your dog is vital. We recommend an enclosed outside space such as a garden or secure dog field. 

Before letting your dog off-lead for a fetch session, make sure you have a reliable recall in place. A strong recall command means you can confidently call your dog back if they get distracted mid-game, keeping play sessions safe and controlled in open spaces.

Always ensure that there are no apparent hazards that your dog could run into (this includes other humans) or step on while chasing after their favourite ball. 

“Keep to soft ground to avoid injury, which can occur on the tarmac, impacting the nails and paws”, recommended Tom. 

Know your dog’s limits

“Older dogs or dogs with orthopaedic problems probably benefit more from a ‘chase’ or ‘run to me’ type game as fetch tends to make them pivot in a small area when picking up the toy and changing direction – this puts an unnecessary strain on the joints!”, Tom advises. 

Fetch is a high-energy activity, and sprains, strains, or ligament injuries can happen during sudden direction changes and hard landings. dog insurance for active dogs prone to injury helps cover the cost of unexpected orthopaedic treatment, so a minor fetch injury does not become a major financial worry.

“Some vets actually don’t recommend fetch at all, but I think that some dogs simply love it so much (especially collies and retrievers) it seems mean to not give them that joy, but in moderation, of course”, Tom suggests.

Common Questions About Playing Fetch

Is fetch dangerous for dogs?

Fetch itself is not dangerous, but playing it incorrectly can cause problems. Repetitive high-impact jumping, sudden stops, and chasing sticks can lead to joint injuries, muscle strains, or mouth wounds.

Playing on appropriate surfaces, using safe toys, keeping sessions short, and warming up beforehand all help reduce the risk.

How long should I play fetch with my dog?

Most dogs do well with 10 to 15 minutes of fetch at a time. Highly driven breeds like collies and retrievers may want to keep going, but it is important to set limits.

Watch for signs of fatigue such as heavy panting, slowing down, or lying down between throws. Shorter, more frequent sessions are better than one long game.

How do I teach my dog to drop the ball?

Use a swap method: offer a treat or a second toy in exchange for the ball. Say your chosen cue word (such as “drop” or “give”) as your dog releases the item, then reward immediately.

With consistent practice, most dogs learn to drop on cue within a few sessions. Avoid chasing your dog or pulling the ball from their mouth, as this turns it into a game of keep-away.

Why should I not throw sticks for my dog?

Sticks can splinter and cause serious injuries to your dog’s mouth, throat, or eyes. They can also get lodged between teeth or swallowed in pieces.

Vets regularly treat stick-related injuries, some of which require surgery. A rubber ball or a purpose-made fetch toy is a much safer alternative.

Fetch injuries are common enough that vets have a name for them. See what accident cover from Perfect Pet includes.