It’s normal for excitement levels to increase during exercise, particularly for activities like ball chasing. However, with the excitement comes increased arousal which increases heart rate and adrenalin levels, causing an increase in cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone. It helps regulate lots of things in the body plus activates the sympathetic nervous system to prepare the body for ‘flight or fight’.  

Adrenalin is designed to be released in short bursts – think of an animal chasing prey as an example, but by repeatedly throwing the ball means it is released for much longer periods, particularly if it is every day, or even more than once a day.

Adrenalin and cortisol both play a role in the expression and regulation of behaviour. Living with increased levels over a long period of time can be damaging to long-term health and behaviour, including increasing problematic behaviours such as your dog’s inability to ‘switch off’, becoming more ‘edgy’ and even showing reactive/aggressive behaviour.

We certainly aren’t saying to never throw a ball or toy for your dog! It’s about finding the balance of giving our dogs what they love but also being mindful of how it can affect their behaviour, especially in the long term.

Get in touch with us to chat about alternatives to ball chasing – you will be surprised at how low impact exercise such as scent games can tire your dog out!