suggestion on dog toys

MattTS

I recently bought a nice big rope with a tennis ball on it and my boy seems to like it a lot to wrestle with it: i can hold the rope from one side and he loves to pull it.
However I have been told that this will boost his predatory instict. Since he still have to be introduced to my 2 cats,I'd rather not to let him develop such instict, and would prefer to distract him with more harmless toys. What they told me is correct? which toys you would suggest? thank you

TegansMyBoy

I would think- and correct me if i am wrong more knowledgeable members!- but from what I have read and what I understand, it doesn't BUILD predatory instinct, as any dog already has that built in. It is however a way to release these feelings in dogs, and it's really healthy to mentally stimulate them daily with games like this! Otherwise, they will take it out on your cat, on kids, etc. Where as, just like humans (esp children!), if we get or needs met we are less likely to vent it out in more negative ways....

So it's good that your dog wants to play tug of war and things!! You are stimulating his instincts in a healthy way and he will love you for it!!

Criosphynx

yup! shes got it right! the dog will always need to express those instincts, having him focus that energy on the TOY is good, because that leaves less for him to put towards the cats

I notice if I don't play enough tug for a few days, the cats start to get bothered more by the dogs.

TegansMyBoy

Yep!! If Lyla hasn't had enough chase, her prey drive is through the roof and she stalks the cat, and my corgi, like no ones business!! heehee

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prey_drive

There is a wiki on the subject I found

MattTS

Once again, thank you all! This is what I needed to read. He loves to play with the tug and it also reduced his "jumping" on me to release the extra energies when we walk. He's more quiet, and when he feels going over the top he just grab the tug from my belt and start pulling, so it is a good thing. If it also helps to keep my cats out of his range :-)))

TegansMyBoy

Heehee!! You're a wonderful owner, playing so much with him! love it

Luv2byte

What our trainer has taught us - tug is a very acceptable form of play as long as you always win & they learn to stop when you tell them the game is over or to let go of the toy. She is teaching us to use it as reward after an agility run. She has border collies that compete at the master level & are champions.

Tug is a great way to easily get out energy.

Mikey

Ditto that

Also-on predatory instincts and having your dog around prey animals (not that cats are prey animals but they can be with a big enough dog)-my dog, after a LOT of work can be around my bunnies unsupervised. I totally trust him and he's accepted that these rabbits are NOT food items However he can exercise lots of predatory behaviors anywhere else and this does not have him acting towards them in an aggressive manner. He's very prey driven, and he chases rabbits in the park -but not at home.

So I would argue alongside that tug and other prey-type games and toys will actually decrease his need to hunt by giving it an outlet, also that dogs can understand who's part of the family and not for dinner-and seperate that from who is ok to chase

Crio has several cats and dogs living in harmony-as do many members on here and they can definitely assist you with some techniques for itnroduction of your dog to your cats-as well as help if their are any hiccups

julietsg

im wondering about the hunter (or prey driven?) instinct. how can you tell if your dog has that instinct? and if they do how can you help them express it? i live in bklyn, ny and i dont have a big yard. i cant take her off the leash in the park either. what are some other ways i can help her to release this feeling?

Criosphynx

build a flirtpole!

http://images.google.com/images?um=1...t+pole&spell=1

basically its a giant cat toy. My dogs LOVE it. If they have any prey drive, you're sure to see it. you don't need alot of space to use it and ten minutes on it and the dog is exhased.