"Use your arm"

[VeruccaSalted]

Earlier today I was walking my dog in the park and intermittently chucking a ball for him with one of those plastic thrower things. A man with a collie passed us and, as I threw the ball, he said "Use your arm." I didn't hear him properly at first so just randomly said "I know" then he looked confused and passe d on. Is only when I saw him chucking his ball with his arm that I realised what he had said. Is it a thing not to use ball chuckers at the park or generally?

[BiteyShark]

I always use a ball chucker.

I have seen someone use a tennis racket once which I thought was ingenious.

[VeruccaSalted]

Ha, I saw a kid using a hurling stick the other day which I was also impressed with. I bought my husband one of those nerf tennis ball guns for Christmas but it's not very good. And the dog is suspicious of the noise it makes.

[iklboo]

If I had a dog (I don't but it's relevant) I'd have to use a ball chucker as I have shoulder injuries and arthritis which means if I used my arm the ball would go about three inches.

Beaky arsehole needs to mind his own business.

[TheLittleBrownFox]

Misogynistic man is thwarted by attempt to mansplain how arms work, by accident.

Well done

[VeruccaSalted]

Ha, I guess we will never know what mystical man wisdom he was about to impart...

[Bobstergirl]

Ball Chuckers are generally frowned on as the ball goes too fast and causes injuries to dogs. The dogs chase the speeding ball which as the dog goes to grab the ball causes the dogs to twist and stop from a great speed. This action causes injuries to neck, spine, hips and just about any part of the dog.

If the ball is thrown by arm the distance is not so great, the speed less and the dog less injured as a result.

The best way is to throw, launch the ball and only release the ball when it is still this will cut down on the many ball injuries seen in dogs.

[BiteyShark]

Yes totally understand the injury argument generally with chasing balls but my dog has had all his (many) injuries from non ball chasing events so I tend to think that actually I'll take the risk on that one. In fact he had yet another paw pad injury today and there wasn't a ball in sight cries at the number of times we end up in the vets

[Bobstergirl]

I am putting 2 and 2 together to make 5 but if the man had a collie he could be involved in dog sport and the dog sport owners are very hot on ball injuries.

I am sure not in your case Bitey but pad injuries are another issue with ball chuckers as the dog burns their pads as they brake on the ball at the high speed and rip the pads.

[VeruccaSalted]

Oh that's interesting, thanks Bobstergirl. He does fling himself about a bit after the ball, so I will take it easy with the chucker. Unfortunately, like iklboo, if I just use my arm it's a pretty feeble throw. The dog would only get to run about two steps.

[Scarsthelot]

You dont have to use a ball thrower at full speed or strength though. Throwing the ball as fast as you can isnycgreat for the dog. Though my cocker runs faster than I can throw a ball. Does a lap of honour then picks it up