How to Get Your Dog to Stop Playing Fetch With You

If you have a dog who likes to play fetch, you pet just might want to continue the activity long after you're tuckered out. And when you try to stop, your canine might insist on continuing. Here's a way to stop his pestering.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. First thing, note how your dog reacts when you hide a toy. Some dogs will stop bothering you if the toy is gone, and they'll find another way to pass the time. In that case, hide the fetching object on you and bring it somewhere you can store it. However, some dogs will conduct a search and destroy mission to find the toy.

2. If your dog is a search and destroyer, distract him. Put a treat inside a small rubber chew toy. The dog will spend a long time chewing at the toy to get at the treat.

3. If the dog is obsessed with a certain toy, and there's no distracting your pet, place an obstacle around it. Cinder block or large rocks will work. The dog will waste energy trying to get the toy out of the spot.

4. Hang a string from the ceiling and tie the toy to it. Make the string short enough so the dog will think it can get the toy, but can't. All that jumping will provide an excellent workout for your dog.