Dogs, Tennis Balls And Chase!

Sage with one of the world's best playthings, a tennis ball

Sage Canine Advice, by Sage Riverdog – May 6, 2012

One of my most favorite pastimes is to chase and retrieve tennis balls.  Anyone who comes into my backyard is an opportunity for me to ask if they’d like to play with me.

I can get pretty excited, especially if it has been raining or for some other reason I haven’t had my regular walks or swims.

Sometimes people mistake my excitement – with my panting, jumping and tail wagging – as me being happy.  That’s not quite right; I can easily transition into a state of high stress, anxiety and excitement.



Can we do it again?



My owners are good about making me sit and calm down before they throw the ball or before we begin any activity.  If they don’t want to play with me or when they are through throwing the ball for me, they tell me to go and lie down. I know playtime has stopped.



Sage stealing ball from Pepper



I think they watch Cesar Millan, Dog Whisperer, too much.  They keep reminding each other that I need to be in a calm, submissive state.  They are definitely my pack leaders.

Another piece of advice they would give you is to never chase after a dog with something in their mouth. This in dog language means you are a follower, not a leader. Pick up something else WONDERFUL (i.e. steak, favorite food, favorite toy) and walk in the other direction. You would be surprised at how quickly a dog will get it and come and follow you.

Hey, do you want to play ball?

About Sage – Sage is an 8-year-old black Labrador retriever who lives with River District Executive Director Edna Chirico and Edna’s husband, John Huber. Sage earned a Canine Good Citizen award, which allows her to visit nursing homes, hospitals and schools. Sage loves to run, fetch, swim, ride in boats, travel in the car and play with just about anyone, especially children.