When many of us think of playing fetch with a dog, we picture that perfect cookie-cutter pup running after the ball you throw on a perfectly sunny day in a park, and the dog bringing it back to you to throw it once again.

Well, for many dog parents, that may be a fictional concept.

I blame Lassie.

You may relate to this new video from the account @garytheweenie featuring Gary, an adorable brown Dachshund.

The video opens with him chewing on a white ping-pong ball from his comfy chair, but before long, the ball falls off the couch and bounces away.

Gary looks alarmed that this tragedy has happened to him. He watches the ball roll across the room, but doesn’t move his body.

Instead, he looks at the camera, which presumably his mom or dad is holding, as if to say, “Are you gonna get that for me?”

I mean, why would he get it himself when he has his humans to do that?

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Why Do Some Dogs Not Play Fetch Well?

If your dog is similar to Gary when it comes to the game of fetch, you may be wondering why this happens.

There are myriad reasons why your pup may not love fetch, according to the American Kennel Club:

• Genetics: There are certain dog breeds more prone to enjoy and be skilled at fetch, including German Shepherds,Standard Poodles, German Shorthaired Pointers, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers (one of the major components of fetch is in their name after all).

• Dogs can lose interest: Though fetch may have been fun once, your dog may find it less fun now or even boring. This is just like you. You may have had a favorite activity as a kid or teen or even a few years ago that you no longer have interest in now.

• They may not like the object you expect them to fetch: Dogs can be very particular about what they are being asked to gleefully retrieve and bring back to you. Make sure it’s a ball or toy they like to play with to increase your chances.

Related: Blind Cat Who’s Obsessed With Playing Fetch Is an Instant Day Brightener

There is also a chance that they may just not get the concept of fetch. In that case, try the following tips:

• Take it: Give your pup a treat for moving toward a toy or ball, then gradually build to touching it with their nose or mouth, and then finally picking it up.

• Drop it: Reward the pooch again when they release what they are holding.

• Retrieve it: Start with an item near you and gently encourage your dog to pick it up and either drop it nearby or put it in your hand. As they do this more, slowly increase your distance from them.

This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Dec 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.