how do i get a dog interested in playing 'fetch'

[misdee]

ralph will chase a ball.

then sniff it and wander off to do something more interesting. [shrugs]

should i make the ball pong by covering it in liver sausage? or just find another activitity.

[silentcatastrophe]

Perhaps he's wondering why you are throwing a ball and not running after it yourself?! What other games do you play with him? He may enjoy using his nose to find treats, or he may like tugging games. How does he find squeaky toys? Does it make a difference how you throw the ball? If you bounce it, or aim it between his legs, or throw it high in the air, or if you catch it yourself? What happens if you run away with it? Is he interested in you with the ball, or simply you?
I do apologise if I'm asking lots of stupid questions, and I expect you've written lots about Ralph that I haven't read properly.
On the face of it, balls are pretty dull really. I think anyway. I wouldn't chase one. But there again, we live in a nation build on ball games.

[misdee]

he will play with any toy in the house.

take him into the garden and he doesnt want to play.

we joke he is an old man.

[silentcatastrophe]

I'm so sorry. You HAVE written about Ralph! So, he plays in the house, and climbs on the garden furniture and gets stuck in the garden? Is he very food motivated? If he is, a Kong smeared on the inside with peanut butter may rouse his interest. Does he wear slippers and smoke a pipe?

[misdee]

he likes to steal my crocs not to chew but to just cuddle with.

kong with peanut better will get him going on a slow trot.

he really just has a serious case of CBA.

he loves a fuss and a cuddle, but just doesnt get motivated to play.

i am thinking of making something stink really meaty so maybe he will actually pick it up. i have no idea how or what to make stink but darn it i want a playful dog. even if he stinks lol.

he is more likely to be found asleep in his bed, than doing anything that requires effort.

[Catsmamma]

We had a spaniel collie cross who never fetched... never! not balls, sticks, toys...nuffink!

he would take things to and fro to people, he would carry things!

He would chase after a ball, but he would never ever bring it back.

[sununu]

I'm no expert, but as it happens I was reading about exactly this in 'The Culture Clash' last night - she writes about 'awakening' this behaviour. basically it's about spotting and reinforcing the very germ of it eg. following an object with eyes, then turning head etc. but don't take it from me, it's a fascinating book worth getting!