Doodle doesn't play ball, what now?

[Candace Lockett]

My Labradoodle has no interest in retrieving balls or otherwise. He's 9 mos old, and does love to run. When we take him out in the evenings to the local ball field to run off leash, we can't think of what to play with him! Running by himself gets boring, and we're not fast enough to really exercise him! But he won't run after anything else. Any suggestions on good, aerobic games for him?

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Try rubbing some steak on the ball and work in very short distances - like right in front of you. Roll it to him, let him sniff and lick, take it back and keep up the cycle. See if that gets him interested in the ball.

Check out these toys - they are a pole with a toy attached (like a fishing pole).

http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.cfm?ID=K9X109&AffiliateID=45...

http://www.chaseitpettoys.com/products.htm

[Adrianne Matzkin]

Better site - gives some money to rescues - has the chase it pole, also has a puppy pull, bob-a-lot (looks like a weeble and dispenses treats/kibble)

http://www.helpingudders.com/chaseit.htm

[Candace Lockett]

The pole looks REALLY fun. Problem is, the animal at the end looks pretty realistic when it's flopping about. I have chickens and a rabbit and don't want to encourage the prey drive. He's doing great leaving them alone so far. Maybe it's because he doesn't like to chase things!
I worry about squeaky toys for the same reason. Maybe a jingle ball?

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Maybe another Doodle to play with and chase .....only thing I found to help Hannah...she was so attached to me, that even trying to get her to play was a chore....since Honey is here, it's playtime everyday with them both.,

[Candace Lockett]

That's probably not possible right now. We do bring our 10 year old collie mix with us, but she's too old to run long. We also have a 10 year old blind toy poodle (not fun.) So that would mean a fourth dog. I'm already called "the crazy pet lady" behind my back, lol. I agree, though. Great suggestion.

[Candace Lockett]

We found a dog park not too far from here! Turns out other dogs ARE great aerobic exercise. He has so much fun. Today he found the one stinky mud puddle though and he and a black lab were rolling in it. Go figure! The ensuing bath was exercise for us both.

Still considering a treadmill for rainy/busy days.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Maybe he might like to catch a Frisbee....

[Candace Lockett]

Tried that, too! Just not interested...

[Michele Barton]

Our golden didn't like playing ball either. But she loved playing tug of war with braided ropes, so I'd play that with her, pulling her around, twirling in circles, etc. It was a workout for both of us.

[Michele Barton]

I just remembered - our lab loved those big bouncy children's balls. He would bop them with his nose or head and then chase after them, sometimes rolled over them. It was hilarious to watch.

[Candace Lockett]

Good thought. We'll try a playground ball. We tried a soccer ball, but not much luck.

[Kathy Spyker]

My Doodle likes when we blow kids bubbles for her.