Pet Bucket Blog

  If you have adopted an older rescue dog, you will be giving them a second chance at the life they deserve. The thing is, they might come along with their own baggage. The good news is that you can train a rescue dog if you stick with it and have the patience to see them through the process. Here are four things that you need to do as your rescue dog's new owner to get them ready for a basic level of training.   1. Gaining Your New Pet's Trust A big part of training your new rescue dog will be getting them to feel comfortable and a part of their new pack. Your new dog will start to feel more comfortable when routines for feeding, bedtime and exercise are established. Use play and feeding to gain your dog's trust and use these as positive interactions to get your dog used to their new surroundings.   2. Garner What You Can About Your Dog's History Your dog's past will always be a mystery, but if there is any information you can gather about their previous environment you might be able better understand your dog's needs. If your dog was always in an outside environment, you can be more patient with housebreaking. It they were always with other dogs, you might even want to think about adopting another dog as a buddy.   3. Training for Owners as Well Get your dog in to see a professional trainer and be sure to have one-on-one lessons without other dogs present. If you have a dog that may be overly anxious or aggressive, a trainer will be able to teach you tips on how to calm you dog and establish dominance. A lot of training and guidance will fall into your hands, so you need to be ready to teach your dog how to be a part of your family and what the expectations are.   4. Get a Vet Visit In A veterinarian can assess if there are emotional or cognitive problems with your dog. There might be some problems with your dog that you can't undo, but it is good to know so that you don't lose patience and can switch training tactics if needed. If your rescue dog has physical limitations such as blindness or hearing loss, work with your vet and trainer to try different training methods.   If your rescue dog has come to you with little training or has behavior issues, it is still up to you to keep them safe and you under control. This might be a slow process, but is worth the effort once your dog starts to relax and become a part of your home. Most dogs want to learn and have your approval - you just have to know how to ask for it.

By Amber Kingsley When temperatures are on the rise, many of us worry about keeping our furry friends cool during the summer, especially during heat waves that sometimes seem to last forever. Even humans can have trouble cooling off, but we don’t have to wear fur coats all day long either.   But for most dog breeds, their coat can be compared to our home’s insulation, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Please consult with a professional groomer before making taking drastic measures, like shaving your dog. Animals with light-colored skin and hair can also be more susceptible to sunburn and other unhealthy skin conditions if their hair is too short.   So how can we help keep our dogs both cooler and healthy in the raging heat? Using some of the superfoods found in the infographic below, along with another popular new trend, coconut oil, along with these tips, can help keep Fido from frying in the heat. Coconut Oil   This popular new super substance is gaining popularity with more people today for its many health benefits that can be found from both consuming it internally as well as applying it externally and the same is true for our dogs. While fleas and ticks can be less active in hotter summer months, mosquitoes and the heartworm virus they carry, come out in full force. Coconut oil can be combined with other essential oils and non-toxic ingredients to make an effective insect repellent. A cool bath with added coconut oil can be a cooling, soothing way to make your dog’s coat and skin healthy and shiny.   Many dogs actually enjoy the taste of coconut and some pet owners are adding it directly to their diets, but others are adding a drop into each section of an ice tray, adding water and once frozen, they watch their canines play and crunch on these tasty, healthy coconut-flavored popsicles. If you’re worried about a possible choking hazard, add a few to their water dish instead.   A Nice, Cold Carrot   If you think your dog might not enjoy eating fresh vegetables like carrots, think again. I once owned a dog that loved this healthy orange treat and would chew on one for quite a while before eventually devouring all the shavings. A nice, cold carrot straight from the fridge can be a healthy summertime snack for many dogs.   Pumpkins and Sweet Potatoes   Some other orange (and purple) tinted favorites include sweet potatoes and pumpkin, which can both aid in a dog’s digestion. Slices of a sweet potatoes directly from the refrigerator can replace processed treats for many dogs. Solid pack pumpkin, the cans that some people buy to make homemade pumpkin pie, can be portioned and frozen for a cool, summertime snack. Avoid buying the brands with added sugar, spices and other additives.   Juicy, Delicious Blueberries              This antioxidant packed berry can be a big hit for some dogs, but beware, it has been known to cause stomach issues or food allergies with a few select canines. For a summertime treat, try adding a little bit of milk or water to some frozen blueberries. As they start to melt, the liquid becomes slushy and it can become like a fruity slushy or ice cream. Same warning as above, some dogs don’t tolerate dairy very well, so be careful.   You should always check with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet, but it’s a pretty safe bet they will approve with some healthier food choices for your beloved pet. Check out the other superfoods that are good for our pets on this infographic, “7 Superfoods to Add to Your Dog’s Diet.”

By Austin Hackney     Before bringing a new dog home, you should make sure that your house and garden are safe. There are many risks to your dog's health that can easily be avoided with proper planning. Not only do you want to keep your dog safe in your home, but also you want to keep your home safe from your dog. A curious puppy can get into all sorts of mischief, from digging up plants to chewing furniture.   The best way to keep both your dog and your home safe is to be vigilant. If your pet is left on his own, then he should be in a proper kennel, a pen, or a room that has been specially prepared in advance.   One thing to look out for when making a dog-proof back yard is for escape routes. Don't underestimate your dog's curiosity. That little, wet nose will sniff out all sorts of trouble given the chance. Check all your fencing, gates, hedges and other garden boundaries. Make sure there are no gaps that your dog could squeeze through. Are walls and fences high enough to stop your dog from jumping over and into the street?   Think about sheds and stores. Young puppies can get stuck behind or under garden buildings and be difficult to extract. Dogs enjoy sniffing, though what they are mostly looking for is something else to eat. Keep all temptations out of reach. A dog might give anything "the taste test," including weed killer, bleach and foods that can do him harm, such as chocolate or dried fruits. Never leave a dog unattended by a barbecue, as the combination of tempting meat aromas and hot coals could be dangerous.   Tools and sharp objects should all be properly stored and secured. Gardens can also harbor poisonous plants. A garden pond could be fatal to a young puppy and should be securely fenced off. Always make sure there is a shady spot in the yard on hot days and never leave your dog outside alone.   There are also risks inside the house. It is sensible to allow your dog only limited access to your home. Fitting a stair gate to stop him sneaking up to bedrooms is a good idea. Most dogs, especially puppies, should have a play pen where they can be left safely when you go out. The pen should be the right size for your dog. It should be secure and furnished with a dog bed, water bowl and toys.   When your dog is at liberty, be sure your trash bins are secured. This is especially important in the kitchen where last night's chicken leftovers might lead your pet astray. You should train your dog to leave alone, but in the meantime consider getting bins that can be clipped shut. Medicines, cleaning fluids and electrical goods can all be risk factors. Keep everything well out of reach and locked away.   Anything left lying around the house within your dog's reach is potentially hazardous.  Newspapers can be chewed up, plastic bags swallowed. Shoes, books and gaming consoles may be destroyed. Having a dog-proof place for everything and keeping everything in its place should be the priority.   Training your dog to understand where he can and can't go, and what behavior is and isn't acceptable to you, will help keep him and your property safe. But even a well-trained dog can get into trouble, so always keep an eye out.   The safety precautions needed to create a dog-proof house and garden can seem overwhelming at first. However, much of it is common sense. It soon becomes second nature, leaving you free to enjoy your pet's company in a safe and secure environment.

Pets, like humans, are living longer and just like humans, their needs change over the years. When your cat was a kitten, his or her needs may have been few, but now that your cat has reached the twilight years, he or she is going to need greater consideration to ensure a good quality of life.   Why are cats living longer?   Cat food now has greater nutritional content with foods that are suited to individual conditions, such as coat maintenance, dental care and even obesity management. Veterinary care has also improved and there is the benefit of increased uptake of pet insurance that makes previously uneconomical medical treatments affordable.   When does a cat become elderly?   A cat is thought to be middle-aged when he or she reaches 7 or 8 years old. As cats age faster than humans, a cat can be considered elderly or senior when they reach 10 or 12 years.   Common symptoms of old age   Noticeable symptoms of old age in cats include a deterioration in the look and feel of the fur, with the coat becoming less glossy and threaded with white hairs. Skin is less elastic and there is slow but noticeable weight loss. In behavioral terms, an elderly cat will sleep more often and for longer, but may experience nocturnal wakefulness, when they prowl the house and yowl loudly. They may also have impaired eyesight and hearing.   Alternative toilet arrangements   An elderly cat will be slower on their feet than a younger animal, and so may feel vulnerable if required to urinate and defecate outside. It is, therefore, kind to place a litter tray inside the home for their use. Avoid trays that have high sides as an elderly cat may have difficulty lifting their legs due to arthritis.   Feeding and associated conditions   An elderly cat's diet requires less protein and more calorie content than a younger cat needs, so you may want to start your puss on a dry food that has been developed specifically for elderly cats. Hyperthyroidism is common in elderly cats; with this condition, the cat seems to eat constantly, yet lose weight. Weighing your cat frequently will enable you to keep an eye on their weight and register any sudden weight loss. Also keep an eye out for your cat drinking more than usual, as this can be a sign of kidney disease.   Grooming   Elderly cats will lose joint mobility and may, therefore, be unable to groom themselves as well as they once did. You can help them to groom by brushing them two or three times a week with a cat brush or comb. Remember to be gentle, as their bones will likely be quite prominent. An elderly cat is also not likely to use a scratching post often and this can result in claws growing long and curling under, possibly penetrating the soft pad of the paw. Keep an eye on claws and clip them when they grow too long, ensuring that you do not clip them too short and cause them to bleed.   Your elderly cat needs care and consideration to enjoy the longer life scientific developments have gifted them with. Making a few changes in your home and being extra vigilant regarding their feeding habits and behavior can alert to you any issues and help prevent these becoming problems.

Do you have more than one cat in your home? Cats are social creatures and will co-exist peacefully, but if several cats are competing for food, space and attention, you run the risk of putting your pets -- and yourself -- under stress. These tips will guide you in creating a calm environment for you and your cats.   1. Multiply your supplies Cats will often feel competitive if you only have one feeding station and litterbox in the home. The best thing to do is have one set of resources for each cat: two litterboxes if you have two cats, three feed and water bowls if you have three, and so on, but sometimes this is not practical. Set up one separate food and water source in another room, and this may help reduce stress in your cats.   2. Make hiding spaces Your pets will feel more at ease if they feel they can 'escape' -- even if it is only behind the sofa! Clear the spaces underneath tables, between large appliances and behind doors so that your cats can take time out if they feel threatened. They will prefer spaces beside high-traffic areas, where they feel sheltered but have a good view of what is going on.   3. Purchase cat calming products Feliway diffusers and sprays come highly recommended by veterinarians. You can purchase cheaper alternatives, but the originals do the job best. These products contain synthetic cat pheromones, sending peaceful and familiar signals into the cat's environment. Your cat uses his or her own pheromones when they rub their face against something they like, leaving behind a message that tells them: 'this is safe'. Use the sprays on blankets and new furniture, and plug in diffusers whenever you are redecorating or in high-tension rooms.   4. Check your room's scent Cats in particular have a very developed sense of smell and will respond to scents in their home. Check your cleaning products and make sure they do not smell too strong and that you use them sparingly -- have you recently switched to a new brand? Scented candles and oils can also cause discomfort. Cats particularly dislike orange, lemon, wintergreen and cinnamon. If you still wish to burn home scents, opt for lavender and chamomile, and check the products are as natural as possible with few chemicals. Consider switching out your cleaning products for natural, chemical-free alternatives such as lemon juice and vinegar.   5. Check for other cats If your cats appear nervous and skittish, they may be worried about other cats in their territory. Watch for telltale signs such as digging in flowerbeds, droppings and scratches on fences and furniture that might signal a new cat is visiting your garden. If your cats have never faced this kind of problem before they can become very alarmed. Unfortunately there is no way of repelling other cats from your garden without affecting your own pets' use of the space, but if you use male urine in a spray bottle -- as a last resort! -- and spray around garden boundaries and anywhere the felines may enter, it should dissuade unwanted cats from the area.   Cats should never be allowed to remain in a stressful environment for too long. Use these tips as a guide to make your home as pet-friendly and calm as possible.

An Addisonian crisis is the result of undiagnosed Addison's disease in dogs. If your dog does not get immediate medical attention, she could die from multiple organ failure. The hardest part about Addison's disease is knowing your pet has it. Signs are subtle, and it takes an attentive dog owner to see the changes. Once diagnosed, Addison's disease is easily managed at a reasonable cost. Here are some tell-tale signs that your dog could be having an Addisonian crisis.   What is Addison's Disease?   Addison's disease is a genetic disorder where your dog's adrenal glands no longer produce the hormones necessary to deal with stress. The disease mostly affects female dogs, and it does not present symptoms until about the age of five.   Taking long walks, new dogs in the house, people moving in and out and a change of environment are all triggers for your dog's stress. Normally, your dog's adrenal glands excrete glucocorticoids to deal with the stress. In addition to glucocorticoids, the adrenal glands also release mineralocorticoids to balance electrolytes.  When these steroids aren't excreted during stress, your dog is unable to handle it, electrolytes become imbalanced, and your dog's heart and kidneys cease to function. The result is a tragedy, but you can avoid it by rushing your dog to an emergency vet who can stabilize your pet.   Signs of a Crisis   To identify symptoms, you must know your dog's behavior. Even veterinarians tell you that Addison's disease is an extremely difficult disorder to diagnose unless the vet knows to take blood work. First, your dog will probably be more lethargic. If your dog normally follows you around the house, she will probably stop and lay there as you move around.   Next, your dog will lose its appetite and show signs of anorexia. She might try to eat, but as soon as she eats, she will vomit it up.  Diarrhea is also a problem. Between the diarrhea and vomiting, the dog becomes dangerously dehydrated.   If you sleep with your dog, another noticeable sign is the shakes. The dog will shake as if she's cold or sick. She might try to sleep close to you for warmth, but she shakes and wakes you up.   What might throw dog owners off is that the dog will still drink water regularly. She will even walk regularly. Although, when she walks she won't want to go far distances and might even sit down. Your dog's behavior will be overall lethargic regardless of the activity.   If any of these symptoms are present with your dog, it's imperative that you immediately take the dog to a vet. If it's night time, find an emergency vet in your area. Dogs going through an Addisonian crisis will collapse fast, so it's important to act quickly.   Treating Addison's Disease   If you get your dog to the vet quickly, the vet will give the dog fluids, medication and stabilize her. Depending on how critical the condition, the dog could have sodium and potassium imbalances, a heart murmur and malfunctioning kidneys.   After your dog is stabilized, you can usually take her home after a couple of days. Your dog will be dependent on two medications: Prednisone and Percorten. Your dog will take daily doses of Prednisone. The dosage is determined by your vet. Percorten shots are given every month. Percorten is the more expensive treatment, but you can buy the bottle for about $200 and have the vet give your dog a shot for about $10 each visit. The Percorten bottle will last several months for a small dog. Prednisone is much cheaper. The Prednisone bottle costs about $15 each month.   A small dog will only need about 1.5mg of Prednisone each day. However, you'll need to double that dosage when you anticipate stressful times for the dog. For instance, if you take the dog to the vet, travel with her, introduce a new dog or have visitors, you need to double her dosage.   Prognosis for a treated dog with Addison's disease is very promising. As long as you get the dog to the vet during crisis symptoms, your dog will recover. Knowing your dog is key to identifying any further episodes, but with proper medication and treatment, your dog will live a long, happy life.  

Is your dog damaging your possessions or digging holes in your backyard? You may be tempted to enlist a trainer, but save your money. The answer to your dog woes may be as simple as modifying your behavior. Follow these tips to turn your bored and naughty dog into a happy and well-behaved pet.   Understand Your Breed's Traits Historically, dogs were expected to work alongside their owners. Herding breeds rounded up livestock. Terriers are chasers and diggers and were used to protect property from trespassers, both human and animal. Sporting dogs, including golden retrievers and labs, helped in the field and on the water to retrieve fowl and fish. These canine tasks are rarely needed during modern life, but your dog still has these natural tendencies. Do some research on your breed's traits, and then devise appropriate activities. For example, you'll find that herding breeds excel at dog sports, terriers enjoy agility courses and games of fetch, and sporting dogs are natural swimmers.   A Few Short Walks a Day is Not Enough If you have a dog that gnaws on table legs or devours slippers, clearly she needs another outlet. Commit to giving her a long walk every day. For some breeds, 30 minutes is enough, but high-energy dogs can benefit from at least an hour or more of vigorous exercise. And so can you! If you are unsure if your dog is a good candidate for a hike or a jog, consult your vet.   Respond to Your Dog's Barking Are you shushing your barking dog? Don't. Barking is one of the ways your dog communicates, so take the time to figure out what he's trying to say. If your dog approaches, looks you in the eye, and barks, maybe he needs to go to the bathroom. Some dogs bark when they're hungry or when they want the family to hang out in one room together. Others bark to alert you to a stranger, or to warn you that a thunderstorm is brewing well before you can hear it. As soon as your dog barks, acknowledge him by saying, "Do you need to go outside?" or "Thank you for letting me know the delivery man is here." Your immediate response will let your dog know he has been heard and understood, and it may result in less barking moving forward.   Schedule Playdates Many breeds are pack animals, and will thrive when socializing with other dogs. A visit to the dog park is a good first step, as long as your dog has all their necessary vaccinations. When there, make sure to keep an eye on her. If she's wagging her tail, enjoying chasing and being chased, and engaging in playful wrestling, that's good. If she seems intimidated by the group or is overly aggressive, then try a different socialization strategy. Your dog may prefer the company of just one dog at a time. Schedule playtime with a friend's dog, or suggest that a neighbor and their dog join you for an after-dinner stroll around the block.   Take Your Dog with You Many people leave their pets at home when they run errands or go to their child's game. But the more time he's left alone, the more bored and destructive he may become. As long as the temperature isn't too hot or cold, and pets are allowed at the venue, bring your dog. He will be thrilled with your companionship, and the exposure to a variety of situations will eventually tire him out. Plus, you won't find his dog bed ripped apart when you return home!   Unleash Your Dog Are your walks outdoors always on-leash? Start exploring the world off leash. Professional trainers recommend that this be done in baby steps, especially with a dog who has rarely been off-leash previously. Begin in an area where your dog won't be distracted by people, animals, and traffic, like your yard or a secluded area of a local park. Place bits of meat in your pocket, and then invite your dog to walk with you, rewarding her every so often with a treat. These outings may take place over several weeks and only last 15 minutes at a time. The key is to get your dog to respond consistently to your commands. Then gradually move your walks to areas that contain more distractions - examples include a neighborhood sidewalk or a popular trail. Have extra treats and a leash at the ready, in case your dog finds something so tempting that she can't resist an enthusiastic greeting. Over time, your repeated off-leash adventures will significantly build the rapport between you and your dog, and make her more responsive to your direction.         When it comes to addressing your dog's mischievous behavior, there's no need to spend money on a trainer. Instead, introduce your dog to new and interesting experiences, taking into account his breed and temperament. Your commitment to varying your dog's physical activities and increasing his socialization opportunities will result in a better-behaved pet

One of the most common problems that veterinarians report seeing in cats is poor dental hygiene. Since you probably don't get that many opportunities to see your kitty's teeth, it can be easy to forget that they need care, and many cat owners go for years without ever addressing their pets' dental health. Unfortunately, many cats struggle with tooth decay and gum disease, and you might not always know if your feline friend is one of them. Left untreated for too long, dental issues can lead to much more serious health problems including heart disease and cancer. Here is a look at six steps you can take to care for you cat's teeth and ensure that they don't cause discomfort or other complications. 1. Take a Whiff - Have you always written off Fluffy's terrible breath as something that's unavoidable? In reality, cats shouldn't have bad breath as long as their teeth and gums are healthy. Obviously, kitties' mouths aren't likely to smell great all the time (especially after eating), but if you've noticed an extremely strong, lingering odor, then it's time to consider a trip to the vet. 2. Look Closely - As you spend time with your cat, there are likely to be plenty of opportunities to peek inside his mouth. Try to take a good look the next time catch your kitty meowing or yawning, and keep an eye out for common indicators of dental or periodontal disease, including swollen gums, bleeding, discolored teeth, or pus. 3. Watch Out for Hints - Cats tend to be very stoic animals, and many of them won't show any obvious signs that they are in pain from dental problems. It's important, therefore, for you to be a good detective, and watch out for any hints from your kitty that she might be having problems with her mouth. Slow eating or a decrease in appetite could both be signs that your cat is suffering from pain. She might also paw at her mouth often or struggle with excessive drooling.  4. Brush Teeth Regularly - The simplest way to prevent dental issues for your cat is to brush his teeth regularly. You may be wary about how your cat will react to home brushings, but you are much more likely to be successful if you ease your pet into the idea. Begin by spending some time touching Kitty's teeth and gums with a finger or some gauze dipped in chicken broth or tuna juice. Next, let your cat lick some treats off the toothbrush before switching to kitty toothpaste with a tempting flavour. Finally, you can try brushing gently, paying the closest attention to your cat's canines and molars. If you repeat this routine weekly, you should see a noticeable decrease in tartar buildup before long.  5. Dry Food and Dental Treats - While wet cat food will just coat Tiger's teeth with plaque-causing particles, dry food is hard enough that it should scrape away some of the tartar if your cat eats it often. You can also find dedicated dental chews at your local pet store in order to help clean your kitty's teeth without too much effort on your part. 6. Regular Cleanings - Just as people are supposed to make routine visits to the dentist, you should occasionally have the vet give your kitty a more thorough teeth cleaning. These procedures are performed under general anaesthesia and they typically include plaque removal, scaling, and fluoride treatment. Most cats only need professional cleanings a few times in their lives, but you should ask your vet what she recommends. Putting a little extra effort into caring for your kitty's teeth might seem like a big ordeal, but you'll be amazed how much it can help. You owe it to your cat to do everything you can to be a good owner, and maintaining Fluffy's oral health is just one part of the commitment you make when you adopt a feline pal.

Everyone knows that puppies are a lot of work. The good news is, raising a puppy  doesn't have to be exhausting or frustrating. Here are five tips for surviving puppyhood: Be choosy. To make raising a puppy the best experience it can be, begin at the beginning--with the right puppy. Take the time to research breeds and breeders. Poorly-bred puppies can be prone to mental and physical problems, just as certain breeds tend to have hyperactivity or aggression issues. It's a good idea to visit and observe several puppies before deciding on one. Of course, some of the best puppies come from rescue groups, so don't leave out this option when looking for a puppy. Crate train. Although crate training a puppy might be tedious, time consuming, and tiring in the beginning, the benefits of having a crate-trained dog will be worth the effort. The crate not only provides the puppy with a safe, secure place to unwind or nap, it gives you freedom--to leave the house or go about your business at home without worrying about the puppy's safety and antics. You will especially appreciate the crate at night, when both you and your puppy need restful time alone. Spoil your puppy. Puppies are a lot less tiring, attention seeking, and naughty when they have things to do. Offering your puppy a variety of toys will help eliminate boredom and bad behaviour. Good toy choices include puppy puzzles, which require strategy and brain work, and durable chew toys. Besides offering toys, consider enrolling your puppy in a class, like puppy kindergarten or puppy agility. Or, do something on your own, like teach your puppy tricks, play interactive games, or organize a puppy play group. Set up a routine. Most people have a well-established daily routine, so they know how important structure is to health and well-being. Providing a puppy with structure--from scheduled meal times to daily activities to a nightly bedtime routine--is good for the dog too because he will gain a better sense of trust and confidence when he knows what to expect day-to-day. Teaching a puppy structure early on will not only make your life easier, it will make his life better.   Take breaks. Raising a puppy shouldn't be a 24/7 job and you will want and need to take breaks from your puppy. Spending time away from your new dog is healthy and beneficial for both of you; your puppy will learn how to separate from you, and you will feel refreshed, reinvigorated, and ready to refocus on your puppy. There's no question, puppies can be exhausting, But with these tips, raising a puppy can be one of the best experiences--for both owner and dog.

Playing fetch with your dog is an activity that's immensely enjoyable for the entire family, but if your puppy tends to ignore the ball when you throw it, or won't bring the ball back to you, it can be exhausting!  Although the skill of fetching is instinctive for certain breeds of dog, such as retrievers, most dogs still need to be trained in the rules of the game, and taught what they are expected to do.  Luckily, it isn't difficult to train a dog how to fetch, and by following the steps below, your puppy will learn a new skill that will provide hours of entertainment for both you and your family friend. Make sure the ball you use when you're teaching your dog how to fetch is used only for that purpose.  This will lead to an association between that particular ball and playing fetch in your puppy's brain; whenever he sees that ball, he'll know it's time to play, and eventually he'll get excited just by seeing a glimpse of his special ball. With the dog by your side, throw the ball a very short distance away from yourself.  If your dog doesn't instinctively go chasing after the ball, chase after it yourself, and play with the ball, just as if you were a dog. He may not understand what he's expected to do for a few days, but if your dog sees that you're having fun with the ball, eventually he will want to join in and play with you. The moment your dog does start chasing after the ball when you throw it, give him as much verbal encouragement and praise as you can. Don't say your dog's name at this point, as it could be confusing, and the dog may think that you're calling him back to you before he reaches the ball.  When your dog plants his teeth around the ball, you're halfway there. Your dog has mastered the first step of fetch.  The next step is to teach him to bring the ball back to you. When your dog is walking with the ball in his mouth, call him by his name towards you, and clap your hands at the same time, to ensure you have his attention.  If your dog drops the ball before he makes it back to you, try throwing the ball again, but a shorter distance this time. When your dog eventually gets to where you're standing with the ball in his mouth, make a real fuss of him. He's almost an expert at the game by now. Getting your dog to let go of the ball once he has bought it back can be the most difficult part of the game. Try saying "drop", and give him a treat at the same time. Your dog should drop the ball in order to be able to eat the treat. After a while, when your dog makes it back to you with the ball in his mouth, say "drop" before offering the treat, and he will know what he's expected to do.