My dog has lambskin animals, a kong, stuffed squeak toys, rubber squeak toys, balls, tug of war toys and everything else I could think of. He won't touch any of them except one small mouse which is actually my cat's toy, and all he does is roll over on that and scratch himself with it. Any suggestions on how I can get him to play?
2007-01-11 08:59:07 · 19 answers · asked by Ronnie 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
First, congratulations on your new dog, and good for you for adopting!!
He may still be adapting to his new home and could need some time to feel comfortable playing with toys and things.
Also, if these are all new toys, they might not smell so good to his doggy nose). Try rubbing them down with dog food or just washing them to get rid of that plastic or new toy smell.
You might want to try putting a tiny amount of something to eat on the toys... Maybe dab a little peanut butter on the rubber squeak toys, for example.
Dogs, like humans, all have different interests and different things will get them going. Just be patient, and I'm sure you will eventually find something that catches his interest.
For now, just provide a loving hom and make sure he feels safe in his new environment. Eventually he will adapt and you'll probably see a personality blossom.
2007-01-11 09:03:45 · answer #1 · answered by dfredholm 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The toys are all new and they STINK. He likes the cat toy, cuz it smells like an animal. Wash the plastic toys and let them dry. The tug-a-toys / lambskin etc --- roll them up in your dirty clothes for a while OR put them all in a bag with a little dog food and shake well. Get another smell on them (no he won't start chewing your clothes!!). Also, handle the toys as much as possible. You don't say how long you have actually had him, but it sounds like you just got him. Be patient and enjoy your new baby.
2007-01-11 09:05:15 · answer #2 · answered by GP 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately there are dogs that grow up and never see a toy, treats or even dog food. You have to give him time to learn how to play. Let him get used to things and then you will see him come out of his shell. Since you have a wide variety of toys he will be able to find what he likes and you will definately see what his favorite toy types are. Encourage him to play by getting on the ground and playing with the toys yourself, which may sound silly but really does work. Good luck and Congrats on rescuing!
2007-01-11 09:12:05 · answer #3 · answered by bassetmom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some dogs are just picky or don't even like toys very well. My chow, only liked one toy and that was her rope toy. That was the only toy she played with her whole life.
Try a kong with peanut butter in it, and give the dog a chance to become comfortable in his new home.
2007-01-11 09:05:37 · answer #4 · answered by mistresscris 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best approach is to not worry about it. Every dog has a different personality. Maybe one day he will go after those toys the way you want him to. Just make sure he's eating the healthiest dog food you can afford to give him and that he's getting his fresh air and has a clean area to sleep, etc.
2007-01-11 09:08:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long ago did you adopt him? how old is he? What kind of dog breed is it? Give him time my dog took a good week and a half to start playing but, mine was also sick come to find out so he just layed around. Leave the toys out and he will find them when he is ready.
2007-01-11 10:59:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some dogs have never learned how to play, I adopted a miniature poodle and he doesn't play either and there is no way that you can force them. But congrats on adopting a dog and giving him a second chance at a loving, forever home
2007-01-11 09:09:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my dog is the same way, no matter what we buy, she won't play with toys. some dogs are just like that, especially if they weren't raised with the opportunity to play with toys (like your dog may be since he is adopted) you never know how he was raised and all that, so maybe there is nothing you can do. as long as he is otherwise happy it's no big deal!
2007-01-11 09:09:41 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give him time like everyone else said...I just got a new dog 2 mouths ago and she just resently started playing with the other 2dogs and the toys
2007-01-11 09:09:27 · answer #9 · answered by Bobby1991 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
some dogs just aren't into toys, theres also a chance that his previous home didn't give him toys. he might not know what to do with them! you could always stuff his kong with something really yummy, he might like that. also, grab his rope toy and run around like a lunatic, that always gets my boy into playing tug. if he sees me with his rope having fun, then he always joins in. squeak the squeakers, toss the balls around, make them look exciting and he might get into it.
2007-01-11 09:04:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋