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Why Dogs Love to Fetch Sticks: Instincts and Pleasure
19.05.2024 06:10
Many dogs have a particular passion for fetching sticks.
This fun gives them great pleasure and can keep them busy for hours.
But why exactly are sticks so interesting for dogs? The answer lies in a combination of instincts, physical activity and positive emotions that the dog receives during this game.
Hunting instinct
Bringing sticks is an echo of the hunting instinct that is embedded in dogs at the genetic level.
In the past, dogs used their skills in stalking and capturing prey for survival.
Today, most dogs do not need to hunt, but the instinct remains. Fetching a stick imitates the process of hunting, allowing the dog to express its natural abilities.
Physical activity
Running after a stick and then retrieving it is excellent exercise for a dog.
This activity helps to train muscles, improve coordination of movements and increase endurance.
Playing with a stick helps your dog stay in good physical shape and prevents obesity.
Positive emotions
Bringing a stick evokes positive emotions in the dog. It enjoys the process of the game itself, the owner's praise, and the feeling of accomplishment.
Playing with a stick strengthens the bond between the dog and the owner, and helps develop trust and mutual understanding.
Variety of textures and shapes
Sticks come in a variety of textures and shapes, making them attractive to dogs.
They can be smooth or rough, thick or thin, straight or curved. The variety of shapes and textures stimulates the dog's sensory receptors and makes the game more interesting.
Possibility to gnaw
Many dogs love to chew on sticks. This is because chewing helps them relieve stress and strengthen their teeth and gums.
However, it is important to ensure that your dog does not chew on sticks too vigorously, as this can result in damage to the teeth or wood fragments getting stuck in the esophagus.
Alternatives to poles
While playing with sticks can be fun for dogs, it can be unsafe.
The sharp edges of the stick can injure the dog's mouth or esophagus, and small pieces of wood can get stuck in the teeth or stomach. Therefore, it is recommended to use safe alternatives to sticks, such as special dog toys made of durable and non-toxic materials.
Earlier we reported on the launch of vaccination of wild animals against rabies .
