We are yet to find a limit to what dogs can do, as these athletic creatures keep finding ways to surprise us.
We all know dogs live for fun and pleasing humans, no doubt that they will try their possible best to achieve that goal. We will discuss dogs and tetherball and how to make your dog play tetherball.
Can Dogs Play Tetherball
Yes, dogs can play tetherball. With their energetic and bubbly personalities, these animals can make almost anything happen. Their forelimbs are used to support all weight-bearing activities, including running, jumping, and walking.
Tetherball Games for Dogs
To set up a tetherball is quite simple. A pole 12 to 15 feet long is mounted on the ground, and a rope 10 feet long is attached to this pole; a volleyball is tied to the end of this rope.
Now a game of tetherball involves two players striking the volleyball with their hands from either side of it.
When setting up a game of tetherball for dogs, a tree can be used in place of the pole, or a flexible pole can be considered to support tugging between dogs. An adjustable set-up should be analyzed to suit both small and large dogs.
Check out the Best Tetherball Games for Dogs
How Do You Make a Dog Tetherball?
We love our dogs so much, and we want what’s best for them, including a fun-filled life. But when it comes to games, we sometimes expect our dogs to kick a ball, catch a Frisbee or fetch a stick-on instinct.
While some dog breeds may respond to these actions on instinct, most dogs will stare at you like you are foolish, or they sniff and lick the ball.
It is up to the owners to teach their dogs how to respond to these actions and participate in the activities involved.
Following the steps below, you will be able to successfully teach your dog how to play a game of tetherball.
Step 1:
Take your dog to an open space without distractions. Set up your tetherball.
Step 2:
Keep your dog on one side of the tetherball and stay on the other side of the tetherball.
Step 3:
Hit the ball continuously with your hand until you get a reaction out of your dog.
Step 4:
When your dog reacts to you hitting the ball by striking back, immediately reward them with treats and verbal compliments. If not rewarded immediately, your dog will not be able to associate the action with the compliment.
Step 5:
Repeat the previous process a few times.
Step 6:
Make things harder by making your dog strike on command.
Step 7:
Invite another dog and guide them through the previous stages. Reward them if they perform well. And watch as they play tetherball together.
Step 8:
Once he gets the hang of the whole game, he gradually withdraws the treats. As playing will be more fun that the treats are no longer required.
You can also use the verbal cue method to teach your dog to play tetherball.
Step 1:
Take your dog to an open space without distractions. Set up your tetherball.
Step 2:
Keep your dog on one side of the tetherball and stay on the other side of the tetherball.
Step 3:
Hit the ball continuously with your hand until you get a reaction out of your dog.
Step 4:
The moment your dog hits the ball back, say the word “Strike” or any word of your choice. Reward them each time they hit the ball and say your code word each time they hit the ball. Using a code word will help them understand that they should hit the ball when ordered with that word.
Step 5:
Repeat the previous stage a few times.
The rest should be easy, as is already stated above. Issue more commands, invite another dog and guide them through the previous stage (if they are ignorant about how tetherball is played); finally, you gradually withdraw the treat.
Are Rope Balls Good for Dogs
A rope ball (monkey fist or monkey paws) consists of a ball made up of wool or strings and a rope attached to this ball.
A rope ball can serve as a general toy to a dog or as a chew toy. As a chew toy, the rope ball is used to assist dogs to ease their anxiety and frustration.
While this is a good thing, rope balls can also be dangerous as most dogs tend to eat and swallow whatever they set their sight on. In a game of tug of war between dogs, where the rope ball is the item between, a dog can accidentally swallow a piece of string or wool.
When a dog swallows this string, it tangles with its intestine, and this can cause digestion complications. And sadly, this problem is not usually recognized on time, thus leading to tragic events.
What Is a Flirt Pole for Dog Training?
A flirt pole consists of a pole or a stick 4 to 6 feet long and a rope 10 to fifteen feet long attached to the rod. A toy is tied at the end of the rope.
A flirt pole is beneficial because it helps you tire your dog before a walk, staying calm during the walk. It can also tire your dog out, so a walk is not necessary.
A flirt pole doesn’t require a dog owner to move much, as you can stand in one position and move the flirt pole around.
The flirt pole is physically challenging and mentally challenging as it helps in training your dog to obey simple instructions like walk, sit, jump, or rollover. You should be able to train a dog with a flirt pole by following the steps below.
Step 1:
Instruct your dog to lie or sit down without touching the toy. They should wait for you to release them.
Step 2:
Permit them to chase after the toy.
Step 3:
After a few rounds, allow them to catch the toy.
Step 4:
Let them chew or tug on the toy until you give them the order to sit or lie down. Repeat the above process after they are calm.
Step 5:
Change the orientation of the toy to prevent your dog from always running in one direction.
Step 6:
If they don’t obey your command to sit, take a break and start over.
A flirt pole should not be used for dogs with leg and joint injuries. And not all dogs may understand the concept of the flirt pole.
Conclusion
The above article should help you understand the process of teaching a dog to play tetherball using a rope ball and a flirt pole. It would be best if you were giving your dog that stress-free life now.
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