How can I get my dog to play?

Question

Recently got a 2 year old who is very lively but doesn't play. I've bought her a tennis ball but she just looks at it. I'd love to see her chasing after it and maybe playing with other things. It might spur the 5 year on to move a bit as well. It doesn't help of course that the weather is so bad. If I could get them both out it might be easier.
Also is it ok for them both to eat cat nuts? I have them on Pedigree small bite mixer which to be honest they are not mad about but they love cat nuts. Actually they will eat the pedigree stuff with a bit of gravy on but not sure if that is ok to contiue with?
Or is there any other brand I could try? Both Yorkshire Terriers so it needs to be small and we are in rural Ireland where the choice is a bit limited.
Thanks.

The cat nuts are what our cat eats!
I'll take his food away when the dogs are around so. Just wanted to be sure cat nuts are bad for them.
As for the play I'll keep at it.
Thanks

Answer 1

First of all, you shouldn't let your dogs eat cat biscuits, they are harmful to dogs, especially small ones. My miniature Jack Russell kept eating them and she became very poorly. The vet says there is something in them that can damage the kidneys especially in a small dog.

Two of my dogs just completely ignore tennis balls, try them with a tuggy rope and if you can't get one an old pair of tights. Also try squeeky toys as their hearing is very acute.

The Pedigree mixer may be too strong for them, honestly, my dogs won't touch it - try them with different mixers, just buy a small packet at a time.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Dogs have to learn to play as pups, its sad when you get an adult dog that doesn't know how to play.
Get down on the floor with your dog. Try enticing her into a simple game of rolling the ball around on the floor. Make it look fun. Try it with something furry, and a squeaky toy - she's a terrier.
Try hiding biscuits under paper cups, in paper bags and let her tear them open - you might have to rip the first one.
It will be easier when the weather improves and you can get outside in the garden.

I'm sure that Pedigree complete biscuit with gravy is fine; BUT the mixer should be fed with tinned food. Its not a complete diet.
Try putting the cat feed up on a shelf where the cat can get to it but the dogs can't.

Answer 3

It's a great decision to adopt another dog to be a companion, which will take a lot of stress off of you and they can keep each other company. I work with hundreds of dogs and every now and again we see some of our old lazy dogs buck up with a burst of energy and play with some younger ones. Labs are a great choice, typically very easy to socialize, and love to play. When you find a dog you think might be a good match, there's a couple things I would look out for, making sure they know each others boundaries and can tolerate another dog instigating and trying to play, if they don't tolerate it see how they tell the other dog to knock it off. Older dogs can be great for sorting out the young ones, knocking them down a few pegs and putting them in their place, but just make sure YOU are the one who is in charge of them both so they have an idea of who is pack leader. Also consider getting a similar sized dog as a playmate for your Cocker, depending on your experience, this may not matter but it could be easier on your pup with an equal sized playmate. Good Luck :D

Answer 4

Cat food is a no no it is too rich for dogs and can make them ill especially the smaller breeds.
As for the playing fetch, well it's kind of a boring game anyway,
try playing with them yourself like play fighting, then gradually introduce the ball it will make them more interested in it, or try using a rope toy and get them excited and they might even play tug of war together. I have a Jack russle who hated playing with other dogs and would only play with humans untill I got my
English bull terriers they play tug of war and everything now it's great to see and if he can change his ways at 10years old I'm pretty sure you'll have luck with yours.
FOOD: I used to use Pedigree dry food untill I got my Bullys, the breeder reccomonded Eukanuba as It hasn't got all the colours and crap added to it, it is expenisve but the dogs do really well on it and I've never seen my old boy looking so great It is about £38 for a 15kg sack smaller bags are about £15. As my bully's are growing up though it is very very expensive to keep them on it as thery eat so much (one is only 8 weeks at the mo but the other eats enough to feed an army). So the breeder also reccomended Autarky it is around £15 for a 15kg sack so you'll keep going forever with your little guys they do smaller bags at about £6 and it is just as good as the Eukanuba it is all natural and no additives etc.
You can pick it up at most pet stores or they could order it in if you ask nicely and if you live in a remote place you'll probably be on friendly terms anyway.
Oh and the gravy I put some bisto on my dogs food for a treat if they run out of tripe it's full of salt though so be carefull as your guys are so small.
If they don't like the bad weather get them both a really good coat Weatherbeta (a horse brand of rugs) do a good waterproof and warm one you can get them from the robinsons catalogue or you could pick some good dog coats up on ebay.
Hope this helps.

Answer 5

Cat food is too high in fat and in protein for dogs. There are gravy's on the market made for dogs, a little bit of that is fine. If you have a picky eater, the best thing to do is put the food down for 10 minutes. If she won't eat or start eating in that amount of time, take her food up and try again 10 hours later. No cheating in between! If she won't eat after 20 hours you may want to call your veterinarian. Water should be available at all times. Leaving food out for her all of the time can cause obesity. Once she is comfortable in her new surroundings my bet is that she will play more. Best of luck!

Answer 6

First, I would probably not give my dog cat food unless the vet said it was okay. It probably won't hurt, though. Probably the little bit of gravy won't hurt, but purists would say "Hell no" to it.
Both my dogs eat Pedigree dry, with no additives. I leave it down and they eat when hungry.
As far as play. That's a tough one. My youngest turned up stray at about a year old. I suspect no one taught him to play. If I toss a toy or ball his way he ducks or runs. If you can soak a rag in broth or bullion, you might get enough interest to at least start tug-of-war games, then maybe things will go from there.
I hope this helps!
--Charlie, "That Cheeky Lad"

Answer 7

Change the food to a high quality dog food. It is a bit more expensive initially but in the long run it is cheaper because you feed less and it is better for your dogs. Look for a holistic food like Wellness, canidae, solid gold etc,etc. you can get your dogs to play by taking one at a time to play put the other in a crate and make sure they can see you giving all your attention to the other dog. Play with the dog act goofy get it excited, it will take a little time before your dog will respond but your dog will respond. After you play with one put the other in the crate and repeat the same thing eventually what will happen is the crated dog will become jealous and it will start playing with you and the same for the other.

Answer 8

A well-trained dog makes everyone happy, including his owner. Take a little time training him, and you'll never regret it; you'll always have an obedient dog by your side. Find more https://tr.im/zqkeJ

By their nature, dogs are pack animals with a well-defined social order. Through basic training, you need to consistently make sure your puppy understands that you are the leader, not him. So in teaching him the basic rules, you take on the role of pack leader.

To fit into the family circle, your dog must be taught to recognize his name and such commands as come, heel, lie down and sit.

Answer 9

Where did you get the dog? Did this dog come from an animal shelter? Does it exibit signs of abuse? Like does she act afraid of certian things like balls, newspapers, sticks, brooms, the usual things mean people use on their pups for disipline. No two people are the same and neither are two dogs. Maybe, she just like to hang out. Figure out what the dog does like. The dog is normal. I had the laziest dog ever. I dont think it ever chased anything.

Answer 10

cat nuts ? hmm.. and where do these cat nuts come from : ) snickers here.. umm try different brands and see what they like..my daughter feeds her mutipoo, something expencive in a can.. can't find the name. so must be out of it. but has dry dog food down now.. anyways i noticed small breeds of dog are not playful.. more of a lap dog.. bummer eh..