Why Doesn’t My Dog Like To Play With Toys?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,


Most commonly, dogs lose interest in their toys due to boredom

. In the same way, you like to get new things, your dog also likes fun new changes. Even a toy that may have previously been your dog's favorite is subject to become old news. It is good to keep several toys in rotation to keep your dog's interest piqued.

How can I get my dog to be more interested in toys?


Play a 3-minute game by yourself and then put the toy away

. Do this 5-10 times throughout the day. Each time you will play with the toy, toss it in the air, laugh, make happy sounds, and having a grand time…but don't let your dog have it. You want to build your dog's desire for the toy by letting him see how fun it is!

How do I get my dog to like playing with toys?

  1. Replace whatever Buddy usually chews on with a new toy. If he tends to gnaw on your sofa cushions, startle him with a high-pitch “eh” sound, guide him off the couch, and put a toy in his mouth instead. …
  2. Get excited. …
  3. Fill it up with treats. …
  4. Play with him.

How do you stimulate a dog that doesn't play with toys?

  1. Food extracting toys – teething Kong toys and other toys should be used when you are not dog training. …
  2. Flavored dog bones.
  3. Ropes feel great to a teething puppy.
  4. Soft plush toys are wonderful to investigate and chew.
  5. Puppy Nylabone.
  6. Puppy ChuckIt balls.

Why is my dog not playful?

There are several reasons a dog may not have learned to play. One common reason is a

lack of early socialization

. Some dogs don't play simply because no one has ever engaged in a game with them. Another reason is that their instincts may drive them to do other things.

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.

How many toys should a dog have?

That said, a good rule of thumb is about

10-15 toys

, which are swapped and changed around at regular intervals, giving your dog plenty of variety. You might find that as they get older, your dog needs fewer toys than when they were a puppy – but generally, you'll get to know what is right for your dog.

Do dogs need toys?

For dogs and other pets,

toys are not a luxury, but a necessity

. Toys are important to your dog's well-being. Toys help fight boredom when you have to leave your dog at home, and provide comfort when they're feeling nervous. Toys can even help prevent your dog from developing certain problem behaviors.

Why does my dog not like squeaky toys?

Dog trainers are not in favor of the squeaky variety because

they fear that the squeak tends to bring out the unwanted prey drive in a family pet

. It would be wise to get advice if you feel your dog is anxious or crying excessively over the toys you have brought home, all with good intentions.

How do you make a lazy dog playful?


Use Treats & Toys

To get your dog motivated to move around and exercise, try playing hide-and-go-seek with some toys or treats. Hide treats indoors or outdoors and let them run around, searching for their hidden prize.

Why does my dog tear up his toys?

For your dog, the desire to destroy a stuffed animal can be as simple as instinct.

If your dog has a high prey drive, they view the toy as their prey and destroy it

, as they have been bred to do for hundreds of years. While this is usually the main reason a dog will rip his toys apart, other reasons are: Boredom.

Should you leave dog toys out?


If your dog has a favorite comfort toy, like a soft “baby,” you should probably leave it out all the time

. Provide toys that offer a variety of uses – at least one toy to carry, one to “kill,” one to roll and one to “baby.”

At what age do dogs stop being playful?

As your puppy nears age one (

up to two years for a large breed

), he's beginning to look and act more mature. He will probably still be very playful, but by now he's learned the ropes and is much better at following the rules. (Click here for more tips on learning when a puppy isn't a puppy anymore.)

How do I make my dog playful again?

  1. 1 Use praise and high-pitched voices.
  2. 2 Leave dog toys around your house.
  3. 3 Start with 5-minute play sessions.
  4. 4 Limit your dog's time with special toys.
  5. 5 Keep your toys on rotation.
  6. 6 Buy toys you know your dog loves.
  7. 7 Engage your dog in chases and play fights.

How do I encourage my dog to play?

Encourage your dog with

gentle praising, building to excited physical and verbal praise when your dog is more enthusiastic

. Dogs can also be encouraged to play with toys by using a toy designed to have food pushed into it. Show your dog the toy, let your dog sniff the food and then roll the toy along the floor.

How do I know if my dog misses his owner?

If they miss you more than they can bear, your pooch will offer you a few telltale signs.

Chewing on your possessions, crying when you leave, and staring at the door after you've gone

are all key indicators.

What are the signs of anxiety in dogs?

  • Aggression.
  • Urinating or defecating in the house.
  • Drooling.
  • Panting.
  • Destructive behavior.
  • Depression.
  • Excessive barking.
  • Pacing.

Do dogs cry?

No… and yes. Dogs can “cry,” but this doesn't necessarily mean that their eyes expel tears… at least not due to their feelings. “As you might have observed in your own pet,

dogs do cry in the definition that they can shed tears

,” explains Dr.

Why is my dog not interacting with me?

It's likely not about you at all. There are many reasons why dogs don't show a lot of affection. First,

if your dog was adopted, his former home may have improperly cared for him — or worse, abused him

. If so, your dog may have trust issues or even feel afraid of humans.

What do dogs enjoy the most?


Running, swimming, jumping, sniffing, eating, rolling, lounging, playing, posing, or socializing

— the list of activities our dogs enjoy is endless. Our pets are also masters at making their own fun, turning the most mundane of activities into a challenge, an adventure, or just a howling-good time.

What is the most clingy dog breed?

  • #1 Vizsla. Known as the ultimate Velcro dog, this Hungarian breed is literally attached to their owner, and is happiest when right by your side. …
  • #2 Labrador Retriever. …
  • #4 Maltese. …
  • #5 Golden Retriever. …
  • #6 German Shepherd. …
  • #7 Pug. …
  • #8 Shetland Sheepdog. …
  • #9 Italian Greyhound.

What is the sweetest breed of dog?

  • Labrador Retriever. Advertisement. …
  • Greyhound. …
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. …
  • Golden Retriever. …
  • American Pit Bull Terrier. …
  • Old English Sheepdog. …
  • Irish Wolfhounds. …
  • Collie.

What is the least affectionate dog breed?
  • Basenji.
  • Bloodhound.
  • Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
  • Chow Chow.
  • Chinese Shar-Pei.
  • Saluki.
  • Scottish Terrier.
  • Shih-Tzu.

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.