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Why Dogs Love Balls: 6 Reasons You Need to Know
29.03.2024 11:30
Updated: 12.05.2024 22:06
Dogs are known for their love of playing with balls.
This passion seems to be innate and universal for dogs of different breeds and ages. But what makes the ball so attractive to our four-legged friends?
We'll look at how playing with a ball satisfies dogs' instinctual needs, promotes physical and mental health, and strengthens the bond between dog and owner.
Reminds me of prey
A dog's natural instinct is to find, chase and catch prey. The ball's flight path is erratic and unpredictable, mirroring what a dog would encounter while chasing prey.
While the ball is unlikely to be her dinner, its unpredictability stimulates the hunt that many dogs crave.
It's nice to chew
Balls can be the perfect size to fit in a dog's mouth, satisfying their instinctive need to chew. Dogs love to chew for stimulation, anxiety relief, and as a fun pastime.
Many dogs chew and destroy their toys as part of a predatory sequence that includes searching, tracking, chasing, grabbing, killing and eating.
This is not something you want to do with a ball, as the outer coating of some (like tennis balls) can be abrasive and can wear down your dog's teeth over time. Dogs have powerful jaws that can tear a ball in half in seconds, creating a serious choking hazard.
Another reason is the materials used to make the balls, which may contain toxic chemicals.
Trigger reward centers in the brain
Interacting with balls will activate the reward center of the dog's brain. This will trigger the release of feel-good chemicals, which will further increase the dog's pleasure. Playing with balls can release endorphins and dopamine, promoting happiness.
Additionally, chasing a ball is inherently rewarding for dogs, providing a satisfying sense of accomplishment once the ball is caught. This neurochemical response will enhance the positive reinforcement the dog creates between its favorite balls and rewarding, fulfilling experiences.
Bright and colorful
While human eyes have three cones that can detect different combinations of red, blue and green colors, dogs have only two.
They can only distinguish blue and yellow, so there are many dog toys in these colors. Dogs love tennis balls simply because their bright yellow color stands out against the background.
Create positive associations
Playing with a ball is great for building trust with your dog, as well as satisfying his need for mental and physical stimulation.
A dog can develop a deep attachment to balls, creating positive associations with them, and this becomes the primary activity a person can engage in with the pet to establish a bond.
Promotes physical and mental stimulation
While cats are happy to sleep all day, dogs require daily exercise to stay happy and healthy.
The exact amount of exercise your pet needs will vary depending on age and breed, but most dogs benefit from at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
Some breeds require up to two hours of exercise per day.
Playing with a ball is a fun activity that allows dogs to release pent-up energy and prevent any potentially destructive behaviors associated with boredom, such as chewing or barking.
We previously reported on the smartest dog breeds .
