To Fetch, or Not to Fetch

A blog post by Clutch, the fetching Yorkie

I’ve been asked, “Do you like to play fetch?”

Before answering, I need to clarify two things. First of all, I am very fetching. Notice I’m using the word “fetching” with the meaning of “being attractive.” Yes, I am very fetching.

Secondly, you need to realize I will only do something if it’s my idea. I won’t do anything just because you tell me or ask me to. It must be my idea. Even if I do what you ask me to do, I’m only doing it because it’s my idea. My participation has absolutely nothing to do with you.

Now that we’ve clarified those things, whether or not I like to fetch depends on your understanding of the word “fetch.” If you intend to throw an object, and you’re asking if I’ll go pick it up, bring it back, and give it to you, absolutely not. You can just forget that. But I might do parts of that.

I Like the Chasing Part of Fetch (Sometimes)

Let’s start with the first part. If you throw an object, will I run after it? Maybe. Depends on what the object is and what mood I’m in.

If it’s food, yes, I will run after it. Then I’ll eat it. You’ll never see it again. I love it when Miss Janet rolls a couple blueberries on the floor. I’ll chase and eat them. It’s food and exercise all in one. Great fun.

If you throw a stick, I’ll run after it if I have the energy. If I don’t feel like it, I’ll just look at it and wish it would turn into a steak.

If I decide to go after the stick, I will chew on it until a better offer comes along. If you don’t want me chewing on a stick, either don’t throw it in the first place or be prepared to bribe me with something better.

Now, if you want me to chase after a toy, you’ll have to make a big production out of it. Make it sound very exciting. Act like you’re munching on it. You have to really sell it. Then roll it, and if I’m in the mood, I’ll go check it out to see if it’s as interesting as you say.

That’s pretty much the extent of what I’ll chase. (Other than cats.)

I’m a Terrier, Not a Retriever

As for the picking up part of fetch, like I said, I’ll pick up food and eat it. I’ll pick up a stick and chew on it. I might pick up a toy, maybe even carry it in my mouth for 20 seconds. Then I’ll sit and lick it.

But let’s be really clear. In none of these scenarios will I bring the item back to you. I am not a retriever. Once you throw the item, your involvement in the game is over, unless you have more food for me.

If you roll a toy for me to fetch, and I start playing with it, eventually I’ll drop it somewhere. You’re welcome to go get it and try to convince me to fetch it again. I’m usually up for a few rounds of this type of game. But if you want the game to continue beyond that, you’re pretty much going to be chasing the toy yourself. I’ll watch.

Games I Enjoy

Now that you understand I’m not a retriever, and I won’t fetch a toy and bring it back to you, let’s talk about what games I do like.

I like to play tug. But I must be the one to start that game. I’ll pick up a toy, bring it to you, and suggest that you chase me. If you catch me and grab onto the toy, I’ll play tug with you.

Be careful not to tug too hard. I don’t want to lose any teeth, and I’m guessing you don’t want to lose a finger. I really don’t want you tugging at all. You pretending to tug is my favorite way to play that game.

Just act like you’re trying to grab the toy away from me. I’ll even growl and sound all fierce. After a minute or two, you’ll acknowledge I have won the game. Then I’ll sit and lick the toy for a while. You can stay and watch or leave. Your help is no longer needed, but admiration is always appreciated.

Another favorite game is when you put little snack pieces into a Kong and roll it on the floor. After you’ve rolled the Kong toward me, I no longer need your participation. You’re welcome to watch if that’s entertaining for you.

I also like when you hide bits of snacks around the room, and I have to seek them. Remember, we Yorkies were originally bred to hunt rats in factories, so I love games that require me to sniff something out and ideally eat it.

I also enjoy zoomies inside and running outside—in a safe area, of course. You’re welcome to chase me, or I’ll chase you. That’s great fun.

Find out What Kind of Games Your Yorkie Likes

It’s possible your Yorkie’s tastes for playing are different from mine. I’ve been told some Yorkies like to fetch. Our personalities are unique, and we were each raised in different environments. So, if your Yorkie likes to fetch, great. Have fun!

But if your Yorkie won’t fetch, then you’ll need to figure out what he (or she) does enjoy. Find games that appeal to his unique personality. Try out different kinds of games—fetch, pretend-tug, Kong, hide-and-seek—and see which ones he responds to best. Let him show you what’s fun for him. It will also depend on his mood, so try at different times on different days.

My puppyhood parent taught me an interesting game. You take a small muffin tin and put a tiny treat in each space. Then cover each space with something I can safely remove (like a tennis ball or a Kong) to reach the treat.

This game keeps me busy for a while. Maybe your Yorkie would enjoy that too. Miss Janet says just don’t go overboard on the amount and size of the treats, as we Yorkies have sensitive digestive systems. (Rolling my eyes now.)

A similar game I learned from my puppyhood parent is to hide small treats on a towel and roll it up. My excellent nose will smell the treats. I’ll stay busy and active trying to unroll the towel and find the treats.

Anything that helps me use my nose is a great breathing and calming exercise for me. This game can even distract me from an approaching thunderstorm. Be sure to supervise the game, so I don’t try eating a section of the towel.

If your Yorkie has a favorite game, here’s one more thing to keep in mind. The game is over when a Yorkie says it’s over. You will not be consulted.

If you stop playing, and your Yorkie isn’t done playing, you’re going to hear some growling, maybe even a bark. On the flip side, if your Yorkie is done playing, and you’re still trying to play, your Yorkie will most likely walk away. Game over.

Remember, in a Yorkie’s world, everything has to be our idea. We will include you as a spectator, to be polite. But we decide what happens and when. Things will go well when you truly understand and abide by that fact.

Wishing you a very fun day with your pup pal,

Clutch