Winter 2026 IACP Canine Professional Journal

Let's Talk Fetch

Written by: Tina Ruffin

I recently had a conversation with a client who owns a young Malinois. He is a veteran who worked with the breed during his deployments, so he knew exactly what he was getting into. He has invested in his dog’s obedience training, brings her to our structured day camp several times a week, and takes her on long walks and hikes daily. He also plays fetch with her multiple times a day — including before bedtime.

This dedicated owner is deeply committed to his dog’s well-being and is doing many things right in raising his Malinois. However, he began to notice that the ball play was becoming excessive and increasingly difficult to manage. That’s when he brought the concern to me. In focusing on “burning off” her energy, he hadn’t realized that he was unintentionally conditioning her nervous system to rely on constant, high-arousal stimulation driven by dopamine.

What is dopamine?

Dopamine is a crucial chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) in the brain and a key part of the reward system. It motivates both humans and dogs to seek pleasurable experiences. Dopamine influences mood, movement, motivation, learning, attention, and other bodily functions, including heart rate and kidney function.

Is it true that continuously playing ball with your dog gets them hooked on dopamine?

When a dog engages in intense, repetitive fetch — especially fast throws, long chases, and little to no pause — the brain releases dopamine, the neurotransmitter tied to anticipation, reward-seeking, and arousal. Dopamine isn’t bad; it’s essential. However, chronic, high-level stimulation without balance can condition a dog to crave that heightened state.

Over time, some dogs don’t just enjoy the ball — they begin to rely on it to feel regulated. 

Behaviorally, this may look like obsessive focus on the ball (difficulty disengaging), trouble settling, and frustration, reactivity, or anxiety when the ball isn’t available. It can also include reduced interest in social play, sniffing, or handler engagement. Trainers sometimes refer to this as ball addiction — not because dopamine is harmful, but because the dog’s nervous system learns to rely on high-arousal reward loops instead of self-regulation.

Will playing fetch before bedtime help my dog sleep?

High-arousal play before bedtime raises heart rate, elevates stress hormones, and keeps the brain in “seeking” mode. Instead of winding down, the dog is biologically prepared to stay alert. Would you go for a run and then immediately go to bed? Probably not — and the same principle applies to our dogs.

Playing fetch before bedtime teaches the body that bedtime equals excitement.

What’s the solution?

During the day, intentional play with rules, pauses, and purpose helps owners gain control while still fulfilling their dog’s needs. Build impulse control by asking for a sit or down and requiring the dog to wait for a release word (break, free, release, etc.). Use the ball as a reward for engagement rather than a constant stimulus. Limit repetitions and end the game while the dog still wants more. Mix ball play with activities like sniffing to promote balance.

At night, opt for a leash walk or decompression sniffing, along with gentle engagement that does not involve speed. Establish predictable routines that lower arousal. Calm is trained — not automatic.

Dopamine drives seeking. Serotonin supports contentment. A well-balanced dog needs both. With structure, ball play can shift from a compulsion into a powerful, healthy training tool.

Author Bio:

Tina Ruffin: Owner, Dog Training Elite Emerald Coast & Ruff Pack Canine Club

Tina Ruffin is a professional dog trainer specializing in basic and advanced obedience, behavioral modification, service dog training, and therapy dog training. She also provides clients with a structured day camp designed to support balance, engagement, and emotional regulation in dogs. Tina is an AKC Evaluator for the Canine Good Citizen title series, S.T.A.R. Puppy, and Trick Dog programs.




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