Playing fetch in the house

[Christy&Riley]

You know how athletes have more injuries on AstroTurf? I was wondering if dogs have similar problems on carpet. Riley loves to run around and chase toys but we've been hesitant lately because of the carpet. Had one scare with a possible cruciate tear so a bit gun shy now. I don't want her to get twisted in the carpet. Just curious if anyone had thoughts on playing in the house. Thanks!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I just was wondering this same thing in the discussion on artificial turf on the front page. I don't know about carpet but I ddon't like the dogs to get too rambunctious in the house. I don't have wide open spaces inside.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

We have hardwoods throughout our house. I worry about yogi sliding so much on the slick floors and slamming into the walls as he chases balls. I went out and bought several runners to slow him down.
Probably no good solution, but I feel we need to play some with him, it's too darn cold outside. Brrrrr

[Christy&Riley]

We have had the slipping problem since day one with our laminate floor in the kitchen. She looks like a cartoon flailing across the floor. Scared the awkward positions would break her leg but she is resiliant. She is just starting to learn to slow down. Only took her 7 months. :-)

We usually crate at night but have been leaving her out. Last night I heard her roaming the house all night. I know it is because she isn't able to play outside or go for walks during the day. Tried to leash walk her around the furniture tonight to work on heeling. Not much space but hoped it would tire her out mentally. Also tried to teach her drop it but not successful. Once she gets a treat the first time, she will just drop the toy and come running instead of dropping on command. She is so focused on the treat I can't get her to pick up the toy. She may not be tired tonight but I will be!

[Julie and Max]

I have hardwood, and it scares me because Max slides all over it. :(

Christy have you tried using another toy rather than a treat, like does he have some toys that he likes better than others? You could start with the one he likes the least, get him interested in that, then bring out one he likes better, so he'll drop the first, and keep going like that?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I had a dog that tore a knee out playing fetch on carpet but her other knee was also ready to go so I think the carpet just moved the process along a little faster.  Perhaps you could try doing some mentally stimulating games indoors instead of fetch. They can be just as energy burning as physical activity.  I hide things (kibble or toys) around the house while Tara is in a down stay in another room waiting. I give her the "find it" command and she is off on the hunt. She loves this and will do it over and over until I'm exhausted! LOL   Practicing obedience indoors can also be fun and tiring too. I try to make up games that incorporate commands to change it up for her.

[Diane and Alma]

We do a similar game with Alma.  We will ask her to bring a toy and then we put her in a sit/stay.  We hide the toy (indoors or out) and then tell her to "seek."  She loves this game and it really wears her out.  We try to find new spots to put the toy since she remembers and checks spots that were used before. 

She likes playing fetch inside but I agree that the hardwood gives her no traction.  We play gently compared to outdoors.  She also prefers playing tug on the carpet rather than the hardwood because she can get a grip.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I have a tiny little house with carpet in most rooms, and JD plays fetch indoors every day with no problems at all, always has. Of course, he's way too big and the house too small for him to do any real running. It's more hop, skip and jumping, lol. 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

The slipping on the hardwood always worries me.  I am going to try the treadmill this weekend-last time it was an epci fail, but he is older now.

[Jennifer Tramell]

My dogs LOVE the treadmill.  When I exercise, I have two dogs waiting for me to get off so they can jump on.  Charlotte will actually jump on when I'm still on it - it's a little tight with the 2 of us. 

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

That must be a cute picture of you two

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

I am going to try harder tomorrow and also enlist DH so we can stay in front and at the side.  

It's just too cold to walk him very far and the roads are treacherously slippery anyway with all the piles of snow.  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

We play fetch inside on both the hardwood and the carpeting, but it's pretty controlled.  I put them in a sit, throw the soft ball (no tennis balls inside) and then release them.  This way they're learning not to get crazy and they're a little more controlled when they go to get the ball.  I also do it with down/stays.  I put them in a down.....throw the ball....make them wait....walk over and treat....then release them to go for the ball.  Believe it or not they seem to really like this "game".  They get a small treat PLUS they ultimately get the ball....they just have to show me they can be calm and patient.