My dog won't play with toys. How can I make her active and playful?

Many dogs never play with toys. Try some puzzle toys or a treat ball. He'll be rewarded when he figures out how to get the hidden treat. Sometimes playing with a ball or stick in the yard will get them interested. If Ollie isn't a toy dog, he may get more fun out of going for walks with you or learning cute dog tricks. Find an activity that you can enjoy together and he'll be happy spending time with you. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Ollie.

Some dogs don't enjoy playing with toys, or may not have learned to play at all. You mentioned he was a rescue, which if he was kept in a shelter too long or didn't have much interaction with toys previously may have stopped him from learning. If he enjoys treats and chew bones, you can try hiding those inside toys to get him to start interacting. If he likes other objects such as sticks or a bone to play fetch, then using that is just fine. As long as he is happy, you are happy and he's getting plenty of exercise and play time, then it's not really a requirement to play with a toy.

Not all dogs will play with their toys. Some dogs are just not interested in them. I would recommend taking some extra time out of your day to get some play time or extra walks in since Buddy isn't interested in his toys. I would be careful with him chewing blankets. My concern would be him eating a piece of one and he can become obstructed with a foreign body if that happens. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It could be either situation - some dogs are simply not that interested in toys or in playing, similar to how some dogs are not big chewers or don't particularly love to go on walks. It's also possible that she wasn't exposed to toys and never 'learned' how to play. You could focus on other ways to interact with her - perhaps she would excel at simple obedience training, or she may like snuggling under a blanket with you.

tSome dogs just naturally don't care to play, just as some people would prefer reading or knitting to being physically active. It is also possible that Jacki has not been with you long enough to feel comfortable "letting go." If this is a temporary adjustment to a new home (I'm not sure how long you've had her), you may find that she starts to initiate play at some point. Or you may discover that you have a cuddler rather than a player. Maybe she is an earnest chewer--preferably of safe dog bones rather than drywall! As you get to know each other, you will discover new ways to interact together.

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Some dogs are just less social than others. So it sounds to me like Chaktah just doesn't enjoy playing with other dogs. As long as he's not becoming aggressive around other dogs I would not be concerned.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Jogging with her would be a good option. Other things you could consider include letting her run around at the dog park, playing fetch, having her spend time at a doggy day care with other dogs of a similar age. This will also improve with time as she is really young now. This will get better with time though those activities can help in the meantime. Good luck!