Is Playing Fetch Good for My Dog?

Is playing ball daily good for my dog?This might be a controversial topic, but it’s one we really need to talk about.

Balls – lots of dogs love them, and lots of pawrents love to throw them. But is this a good activity to do every day, or could it be having a long-term effect on your dog’s physical and mental health?

As a dog trainer and someone who runs a doggy daycare, I can often spot a dog who regularly plays fetch. These are usually breeds designed to work or retrieve, like Spaniels, Poodles, Retrievers, Shepherds, or any dog with a high prey drive.

The signs that a dog may be overdoing ball play include:

• Struggling to settle, panting, or pacing • Destructive behaviours • Hypervigilance • Reactivity to movement • Obsession with balls, toys, or other dogs • Poor sleep cycles • Digestive issues • Behavioural problems such as attention barking, jumping, biting, or resource guarding.

From a behavioural and neurobiological perspective, research shows that throwing a ball for your dog to chase as part of their daily routine – especially for working breeds – can actually be more harmful than good. It can impact their nervous system and overall mental health.

Can this be harmful if my dog loves chasing the ball?

One of the biggest misconceptions about fetch is that it’s a great way to “tire out” a dog. While they may appear exhausted after endless sprints, what’s happening inside their body tells a different story.

Throwing a ball repeatedly causes spikes in adrenaline and cortisol (stress hormones). These hormones don’t drop immediately after play – they remain elevated for hours, keeping your dog in a state of heightened arousal. Instead of helping your dog relax, constant ball throwing can actually make them more hyperactive or reactive to noises and movement. This can lead to behaviours such as barking, jumping, nipping, or struggling to settle.

Mentally, dogs can develop an almost compulsive need to chase the ball. While it may look like they’re having fun, this kind of repetitive, high-arousal play can reinforce obsessive behaviours and even lead to resource guarding.

Dogs who become fixated on ball chasing often struggle to switch off, finding it hard to relax even at home. This constant anticipation can cause frustration, restlessness, and unwanted reactivity. The more we reinforce this cycle of excitement and adrenaline, the harder it becomes for them to engage in calm, balanced activities.

Physically, fetch can also put strain on joints and increase the risk of injury, especially from sudden stops, twisting, or uneven surfaces.

Healthier Alternatives to Fetch

A good play session should leave your dog fulfilled, not overstimulated. If your dog only enjoys chasing a ball, it may be time to add more variety to their playtime.

Try these alternatives:

• Scent work and sniffing games – 15 minutes of sniffing can be more tiring than an hour’s walk.

• Environmental play – weave through your legs, circle around you, practice sits, downs, and stays in different environments.

• Tug of war – a great bonding activity that offers both physical and mental stimulation. • Structured training games – use high-energy play to reinforce recall, impulse control, or new tricks. • Exploration walks – let your dog explore at their own pace to build confidence and natural curiosity. • Parkour and balance exercises – encourage your dog to climb logs or balance on different surfaces. This low-impact play builds strength and confidence.

Next time you reach for the ball, why not hide it instead and encourage your dog to “find it”? Or take a tug toy and play interactively. Small changes like this can make a huge difference to your dog’s behaviour and mental wellbeing.

Thank you for reading!

Woofs & Wags,

Emily