Dogs have a variety of ways of communicating how they feel, but humans often don't recognize the signals. Learn more about “calming signals” and how dogs communicate from a certified professional dog trainer.

Dogs were built to roam and, more than anything, love running around free. Dog parks, therefore, can be a great way to grant your lovable furball some much-desired freedom where they can blow off some steam. Here are some ways to ensure the dog park always remains a positive experience. 

Does your dog take you for a walk instead of the opposite? Perhaps pulling so hard that their breathing is impeded in the process? Do you dread going for a walk, as a result, not only because you don’t want to be pulled all over the place, but because it seems to be causing undue strain for your dog, as well?

Teaching your dog or puppy to play fetch can be a great way to bond, provide mental stimulation, and give them a healthy outlet for their energy. But what if your dog won’t fetch—or grabs the toy and refuses to bring it back?

If your dog runs after the ball but won’t return it, or plays keep-away instead of dropping the toy, you’re not alone. Many dogs love the chase but haven’t yet learned the full game of fetch—including the all-important “drop it” cue.

In this post, we’ll explore why your dog won’t fetch or drop the ball, and how to teach fetch in a way that’s fun, frustration-free, and builds your dog’s trust and engagement.