Is this Okay?

[brocky101]

Well, i didn't know which forum to post this in, but im always looking and posting in this one so.. anyways, Is it okay to play fetch for a half hour to an hour with him every day, instead of walks. He is well with people and other dogs, so he doesn't need to be socialized as much as he use to. And sometimes i just dont want to take him for a walk, i have to admit. But he loves to jump, run, and play. so I cant wait to play fetch with him every day, he's so good at bringing the ball back. I think its much easier!
Thanks in advance!
-lauren

 

[Rlr.Giraffe]

We exercise Willis by playing with him more than anything. I have heard walks at too young an age can contribute to hip dysplasia if they are prone to it, and if we are playing, Willis is free to go and get a drink and we can tell when he's tired a little better. IMO, playing is a great way to exercise them!!!

 

[BooBoo & Riley]

My only suggestion is to not fall into a habit of not going for walks at all, because they will forget how to walk nicely on the leash and how to treat passerbys politely...

oh and one more thing, walks also do a lot to stimulate a boxer's mind. Play fetch everyday will not give him something new to be interested in, but a walk will. That's why when we take ours for a walk, we never walk the same direction as the last time because it gives the dogs great fun to explore a new neighborhood...

 

[Scrapper's Mom]

We do this with Scrapper all the time. My hubby throws the Frisbee back and forth for Scrapper and Holly and they both get all tired out and panting. Sometimes I just don't have the time to take him out for his usual round the block.

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Exercise is exercise. It's all good. A tired dog is a well behaved dog. Fetch is just find. Just don't force your dog to continue playing if he shows signs of being tired. Might try some other games as well which can enhance your training such as "chase me" which will help with recall, etc. Continued walks will only help to socialize your dog more and better. Don't eliminate them.

Enjoy!

 

[Marybeth18]

Fetch is Daisy's favorite game! The first thing she looks for in the backyard is her little soccer ball. If you turn your back on her for even a minute she'll smush that ball right into your leg or backside. "PLAY WITH ME NOW!"

She does love a good walk and my kids play other games with her but I must say Daisy gets most of her exercise chasing stuff around the backyard. We also have a really cool HUGE tennis ball that she pushes around the yard with her nose or head. I got it at Modells and she loves it. It's really challenging because she can't get her mouth on it.

 

[brocky101]

another question about playing!

When we play I usually start out throwing a baseball and playing a little fetch. but one thing he loves is a big basketball thrown up SUPER high and then bounced on the grass and he junps like mad, Is this JuMpiNg game to much for him or not healthy?

we end the paly time with baseballs and a game of fetch. lasts about an hour..

 

[Jan]

When we play I usually start out throwing a baseball and playing a little fetch. but one thing he loves is a big basketball thrown up SUPER high and then bounced on the grass and he junps like mad, Is this JuMpiNg game to much for him or not healthy?

we end the paly time with baseballs and a game of fetch. lasts about an hour..

I wouldn't do too much jumping if she is less than 18 months old. Jumping can be very hard on the joints.

 

[zvinzonz]

If im really tired I play fetch with Nitro in the morning and at night I just let Nitro chase the light from my flashlight. As far as walking I try to do it every morning this made him tired and also give him a chance to socialized with other pet and people. Right now Nitro really enjoys his walk especially if we're walking at the pond near boo boo and riley's house .

 

[brocky101]

Thanks!

Thanks 4 all the posts guys! I'll definetly stop that jumping game. I dont want anything to happen to him.
Thanks again,
~lauren&Brocky