USA Bus Lines

How should I introduce my greyhound to toys?

I got a new greyhound a little under a month ago and I can't seem to get him to play with toys [or with the other dogs for that matter]. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

Public Comments

1. How old is the dog? Some dogs are just not as "playful" as others, I have an English Springer spaniel (had her since she was 18 months old) and she never plays with anything, if I give her a toy she just wrecks it.
2. If he's a rescued racer, you have to remember he's never had the opportunity to play with toys. Having said that, I got my first 2 greyhounds straight out of the holding kennel they go to when they're taken from the track and both of them started throwing around stuffed toys the moment they got them. Stuffies were the only toys any of my greys have every played with and they really, really love them! Try tossing some stuffed toys around. Or play with it yourself, pretending you're having a great time with it and playing keep-away with him to make him want it. If none of that works, don't worry about it. Not all dogs play with toys.
3. You say he's a greyhound racer? Then play fetch, then you can get onto tug-a-war. Fetch or frisbee are about the closest common dog games available for you which your dog will react to.
4. Our dogs literally eat their toys, but we it still keeps them happy. But the dogs won't touch it unless it smells of them or us. Rub the toy against her fur or in her blanket before showing her.
5. He might not be interested in anything that doesn't move fast or squeak,. My greyhoundxcollie only wants to play with things that squeak and or look like and animal/bird. @ as 'walking lady' mentioned, i have never had a dog in my house that doesn't want to play with the stuffed duck, goose, pheasants we have, they all make different noises similar to the animal, and you can get them cheap online most pet shops.