As long has dogs have been domesticated pets, it is clear that one game seems to be the favorite of them all: fetch. There is something busy, exciting, and rewarding about tracking down a stick, and bringing it to the person you are trying to impress, or catching a ball that has disappeared into the deep bushes and resurfacing victoriously with the prize No matter what shape and size your pet dog is, or how old and crotchety, you’d be hard-pressed to find a canine who isn’t up for a game of toss-and-retrieve. Here are some reasons why dogs enjoy playing fetch!

1. It is liberating. Walking is all well and good, but getting to race at their own speed after a flying ball –now THAT sounds like a good time for a canine!

2. The owner is always proud of the dog. Pups like praise, petting, and playing, and a good game of fetch satisfies all of those things! Their owners are always excited when the dog returns with the ball, Frisbee or toy in his mouth.

3. Dogs love carrying things in their mouth, or chewing on tough items like toys, rubber balls and even sticks (though that can result in splinters and other unpleasant things). are fun to bite! Some dogs even try to go after sticks that are WAY too big for them!

4. It lets dog’s use their tracking skills. If an item has fallen into a grassy area, thick bushes or bramble, a dog will get to use his trusty nose to dig around and find the lost object. This is great for his mind and good practice for his nose!

5. Fetching is great exercise. When you have been cooped up all day, a dog finally gets to let loose and sprint around to his heart’s content. Sometimes humans tire out on a jog or a walk, but playing fetch is a dog’s time to expel all the energy he can while enjoying the great outdoors.