June 05, 2023

My shelter dog doesn't seem to know how to play with toys, what do you think I should do?

Full Question:
Hi! We adopted a shelter dog around a year ago estimated to be around 4 years old, a female Shepherd mix. She doesn't seem to know how to play with toys, even though she will show some interest in small stuffed toys I toss, she quickly loses any motivation she has. If try to trade or toss her another toy to get her to play with me, she would drop the toy very easily and refuse to get it again. She likes and chooses to play With me, punching and running, play bowing. I just can't get her to hold anything or play with toys With me. The vet said her teeth looked OK, she eats fine, and chews on things like bully sticks. I would like to teach her to hold objects eventually but have never had a dog that didn't easily pick things up during play to start teaching it. Not sure what step I'm missing or what I can do to get her drive up, other than maybe trying a flirt pole or furry tug toy which I haven't tried yet. What do you think I should do? Thank you very much for your time and feedback.
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
I'd definitely use a very soft toy on a flirt pole to trigger some prey drive and chasing. Maybe have someone else restrain her on a harness to build some frustration as well. Hold her back, tease her with the toy on a flirt pole and then when she's really pulling let her grab it.
User Response:
Thank you! We have tried your suggestions and seen improvement! It's a work in progress but at least she's actually making some now.

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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