Need advice on play..

From the time that I rescued Izzy she has had no desire to play. I've bought all types of toys but to no avail

I see all of you talking about how your dogs love to play and how they destroy their toys..Izzy just sniffs hers and walks away, and I try SO hard to get her interested but she really couldn't care less.

I'm just wondering if there is something more that I can do or if she simply just has 0% play drive?

Any advice would be very much appreciated

Have you tried a squeaky toy or one that you can place food in or cover with peanut butter

Lizzy is the same. I rescued her at the age of 3, and she just didn't know how to play.

All you can do is keep trying different things. Try running around with toys, and see if she wants to play then. You have to be crazily enthusiastic. Squeaky ones are always worth a try.

Also, if she has any doggie friends, try getting her to chase a toy with them. Being competitive is the only thing that gets Lizzy going.

Even now (after six years) Lizzy very rarely chases or plays tug. She likes to fight with me, but that's about it - and she never instigates. Instead, you can give her kongs and generally play games around food. Hide treats for her, do extra bits of training, all that good stuff.

I know how it can feel when your dog is the only one that doesn't play, but it's no reflection on you, it's just the way your dog is, most likely thanks to a not so great start in life.

I have a Kong that I fill and shes maybe interested for a min or two :\

I also have a squeaky kong tennis ball to attempt fetch but when I throw it she just looks at me..

She has teddies, ropes, a ball that rattles..anything I could think of and nothing

Glad to hear I'm not the only one when I introduce toys to her with my other dog he takes them and growls at her to stay back and will snap if I try to take them away

Izzy loves a good fight with me too and I'm glad to hear its nothing I'm doing..because thats sorta what I thought the problem might be

Charlie loves destroying a plastic drink bottle!

How long have you had Izzy? It could be that in her previous existence she was strongly discouraged to play and has forgotten how to.

Does she enjoy her walks, and what does she do the rest of the time? Does she seem depressed?

Sorry for all the questions - just trying to build a picture.

I have had Izzy just over 2 and a half years now. She absolutely loves her walks, even though they're not overly far due to her arthritis..around 30/45 mins most days as the vet said to keep active but not to do too much?

Apart from walking and eating she sleeps most of the day..has done from the day that I got her.

I wouldnt say she seems depressed at all as when shes up and about (and not sore) shes quite a bubbly dog.

I worry about her not getting enough exercise and not being as stimulated as other dogs

She sounds very similar to Lizzy. She's a couch potato, and generally just wants cuddles all the time - and lovely walks in the countryside.

One game I like is hiding dinner in a cardboard box full of loads of crap. Seeing as she's arthiritic, it's some good mental stimulation that won't impact on her joints.

As I said before, just keep thinking of different ways to mentally stimulate her using food, and just love her for who she is. You might find that one day she randomly decided to pick up a toy, but there's no point trying to force the issue.

Lizzy says toys are for losers - she and Izzy are too sensible for those babies things

Eris wrote:Lizzy says toys are for losers - she and Izzy are too sensible for those babies things

She does give me a look as if to say..'come on mum, really?'

I'll love her no matter what..and Im a bit of a couch potato myself so some days I don't mind at all haha!

Will definitely try more games with her food..cause if there's one thing she loves, its her food

Thank you for the advice

If you don't mind me asking what is the extent of the arthritis? Xx

Well the vet says there is quite a bit of wear and tear on the knee joints in her back legs she has trouble getting on and off the sofa, car, up the stairs etc and most days she has to be lifted to save her any unnecessary discomfort

Though I am using Yumove and it seems to be helping a bit thank goodness

Have you had x-rays and is she on any pain relief? Xx

No they just say they can feel it apparently? and they haven't put her on anything for it..which is strange seeing as they have told me its quite bad

Told me she may need an op but hopefully it won't come to that..ive been through many on my own legs and its not nice at all

Are you insured? I really would recommend an x-ray, in all honesty a vet wouldn't have a clue to the extent even if there was any without an x-ray! Very strange.

Sadly not

She's due back at the vet soon so il ask him then about x-rays/pain relief for her anything that will help her and keep her active for as long as possible

I am just surprised they have said its arthritis without actually doing any x-rays, sorry to be totally off topic but Moo has arthritis and I am carefully managing it. This was my post on it if you get the time have a read

https://staffy-bull-terrier.niceboard.com/t26620-moo-s-progress?highlight=moos+progress