Why Does My Dog Play Keep Away With Toys?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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I think many of our dogs feel the same way. In short, your dog might be playing keepaway because

keepaway is more fun than playing fetch with your rules

. If this is your problem, your first goal is to teach your dog that engaging with you is FUN FUN FUN! Approaching you with a toy is FUN!

Why do dogs run away with toys?

Dogs take items and run

because it is fun

. Taking items provides an immediate reward because he has found something to play with, something to comfort him, or something to eat all in one action. When you chase him, it makes him even happier in that he has more fun and attention.

How do you teach a dog not to play keep away?

Why do dogs ignore toys?

According to Newman, there can be a number of factors that attribute to your dog’s lack of interest in toys, but it mostly boils down to

a need for interaction and socialization

. “Toys are interactive. For a dog to enjoy playing with a toy, they have to be playing with someone” (i.e. a human or another dog).

Why does my dog play keep away instead of fetch?

I think many of our dogs feel the same way. In short, your dog might be playing keepaway because

keepaway is more fun than playing fetch with your rules

. If this is your problem, your first goal is to teach your dog that engaging with you is FUN FUN FUN! Approaching you with a toy is FUN!

Is it good to play chase with your dog?


If you chase your dog, you risk

teaching your dog that moving toward them means the game is afoot, making them more likely to run away even when you approach them for another reason. This can ruin your dog’s recall.

Why does my dog bring me a toy but not let me take it?

If your dog brings you toys but won’t let go of them, it might mean that

they are craving some interaction with you

. They might be trying to instigate playtime by getting you to try to catch them, or they might want to play tug with you.

Why does my dog only steal my things?

Your dog might be stealing things because

they are looking for something to do or for some interaction with you

. Dogs need both physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and giving them suitable outlets for their energy will prevent them inventing their own means of entertainment!

How do I stop my dog from thinking about games?

Do not chase him anymore; when you do, you are rewarding his bad behavior because he loves the game. In a safe area,

get some doggie treats and practice sit, stay and come

. Do this several times a day, but do not do it for long periods of time. It’s better to do this more often for short bits during the day.

How do I teach my dog playtime?

How do I know if my dog is depressed?

The symptoms of depression in dogs are similar to those experienced by people. Common symptoms include

low activity levels, a loss in interest in the things they once enjoyed, and a change in eating and/or sleeping habits

. Some dogs may also show signs of aggression, including uncharacteristic howling or whining.

How do you play with a dog that doesn’t play?

  1. Food-dispensing toys.
  2. Fetch toys.
  3. Tug toys.
  4. Chase toys.

Why does my dog not like cuddling?

So why do dogs hate cuddles? Well, apparently

it makes them feel claustrophobic

. Dogs are cursorial mammals and their instinct when scared is to run. By directly limiting their ability to do so with a hug raises their stress and anxiety levels considerably.

Why won’t My dog bring the ball back?

Another reason your dog won’t return the ball is because

he or she is possessive

. If your dog shows guarding behavior or a ball or stick, be wary. They will quickly move away with the ball, and if you show interest in taking the ball away from them, your pet will be more likely to run.

Why does my dog stare at me?

Just as humans stare into the eyes of someone they adore, dogs will stare at their owners

to express affection

. In fact, mutual staring between humans and dogs releases oxytocin, known as the love hormone. This chemical plays an important role in bonding and boosts feelings of love and trust.

How do you tire out a dog without walking?

  1. Rotate The Toys. …
  2. Play Hide & Seek. …
  3. Set Up An Obstacle Course. …
  4. Play The Shell Game. …
  5. Chase Bubbles to Tire Out a Dog. …
  6. Feed Your Dog Using A Food Toy. …
  7. Play Fetch. …
  8. Wrestle Or Play Tug.

Does my dog like being chased?

If being chased is one of your dog’s favorite games, they are not alone.

Lots of dogs love to be chased

and can play this way for hours. However, maybe you are tired of simply running and following your dog around and are looking for something else to keep them entertained.

How often should I play with my dog?

Play with your dog often.

You should aim to play with your dog

twice a day

for around fifteen minutes each time. You can also combine playtime with other exercise for your dog, such as walking over to the neighborhood park before playing and walking home.

Why do dogs run when you chase them?

Dogs aren’t likely to stop and analyze the situation to decide whether the person chasing is intending harm or not, so

their instinct is to keep on running, in any direction, including towards streets with moving traffic

.

Why do dogs show you their belly?

Dogs expose their bellies to us for two main reasons:

as a submissive display, and as a request for a belly rub

. It’s important to know what your dog is telling you before you go in for petting!

Why does my dog only play with his toys when I’m around?

This could be about

contact with you, or anxiety about something else in the environment

. In these cases the dog will often refuse to eat or play with his own toys. Instead, he often seeks out items that smell of his owner, or that he has previously found comforting to chew on.

Why does my dog play with his toy on me?


It is a part of her canine nature to look up to you as a role model and to love you unconditionally

. Secondly, your dog is playing with her toy in your lap because your legs resemble a platform that provides support. Your dog knows that your body is reliable and will keep her and her toy safe.

Why do my dogs always want the same toy?

Resource guarding among dogs is an extremely common and normal behavior .

Dogs are pre-programmed not to want to share valued resources with others

. For pet dogs, resources may include food, toys, or even the owner’s attention.

How do I get my dog to stop being possessive of toys with other dogs?


Start by keeping them on the leash at first. Give the other dog a treat and when they go towards it, give the jealous dog a treat and say ‘share’

. You can also use the commands ‘first’ and ‘wait’ to teach them they can play with the toy next and that they have to be patient.

Why does my dog put his toys in my shoes?

1. One could be, especially for little dogs, that feet tend to be a strong-smelling area. So it could be that

she’s associating your feet with you and your smell and your shoes with you, and so it’s her way of kind of bonding with you

.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.