My dog is obsessed with toys

All about Coton

Coton FAQs

Coton Care

Coton Training

Coton Travels

Coton Safety

Let's Shop

Coton Connection

[?] Subscribe To This Site

My dog is obsessed with toys

by Carol
(UK)

Skye jumping for a toy

I have a three year old bitch and she is obsessed with toys. Every time I let her out into the garden to do her business she HAS to take a toy with her for me to throw, or else she goes into panic mode...running back into the house to search for a toy.

Once she finds one, she comes racing back outside, throws the toy to ME and then barks her head off waiting for me to throw it. Not such a good idea when it is 6.30am and the neighbors are still in bed!

Do you have any ideas on how I can tackle this obsession? And have a more peaceful life?

Comments for
My dog is obsessed with toys

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 04, 2010
Rating

bad doggy.......
by: Anonymous

our (rescue) collie (age 2 to 3) is toy mad, but we cannot let him off his lead as he refuses to get close enough to us to put his lead back on him, he stops 6ft short and escapes capture.

any ideas?

Dec 02, 2009
Rating

Dog Toy Obsession Help
by: Gale

Hi Carol,

It seems like Skye has taught YOU how to play instead of the other way around. I wonder if the problem is only when you take her outside or if she gets obsessive about her toys at any other time.

You want to prevent your dog from going into panic mode. All dogs should feel safe and happy so here are some things you can do to help alleviate the panic. I hope some of these suggestions help - if not, get help if the problem persists. See a Vet or a professional trainer so you and Skye (and your neighbors) CAN have a more peaceful life.

Make sure your dog gets plenty of play time throughout the day and does not have any pent up energy. This includes playtime with you and providing stimulating toys for her when you are not there. I like toys like Kong that get the dog to engage in playing to get a reward.
Try experimenting with different kinds of toys. Does she have this reaction to all toys or just certain kinds of toys?
Make sure your dog understands that YOU are in charge. Dogs need to feel that you are in control and will take care of them, otherwise they take on that burden of trying to be YOUR protector.
This is achieved through obedience training which is the key to getting your dog to listen to you.
Teach your dog the release command when you are NOT outside in the problem area and then gradually use the command outside.
Most importantly, and probably the most difficult thing, is not to reward the obsessive behavior by playing with your dog when she demands it. You may have a rough couple of days at first, but once she understands that YOU are in control, not her, things should improve.

Good luck to you and Skye

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Dog Behavior Question

Share your Coton de Tulear photos and Stories Here

Sign up to receive your Free Coton Connection Newsletter:

Keep up to date on the latest information about this rare breed
Learn tips to help your Coton stay healthy, happy, and well behaved
Hear from other Coton owners about their experiences

5 Dog Training Myths
The Dog Food Report

Click Here to Sign Up For
5 Free Training Videos

My dog is obsessed with toys

Comments for My dog is obsessed with toys

Sign up to receive your Free Coton Connection Newsletter:

Click Here to Sign Up For 5 Free Training Videos

Comments for
My dog is obsessed with toys

Click Here to Sign Up For
5 Free Training Videos