Obsession!

CrixNavi

I'm new to this forum, in fact this is the first time I've ever joined one period! My bully is a male, 18 months, his name is Crixus. He is so fun and loving, the sweetest dog I have ever had. He gets plenty of exercise, 2 long walks per day, with lots of chasing after his ball. Lately though, at home, he seems to be obsessed with his ropes. There isn't a specific rope, he chooses from about 5, but whichever he chooses, he seems to get fixated on it. He constantly wants to play "tug" and if we are busy, he will cry at our feet until we pay him attention. I often have to take the ropes away because this can go on for hours! We recently had to put down his Jack Russell mate that he'd had since he was 18 weeks and I feel like we give him plenty of time and attention, but its just not enough. This is my first bully and i'm wondering if this sounds like an obsession or just boredom?

BulliesofNC

I've seen other Bull Terriers get really fixated over playing ball as well. You're right, it is like an obsession. Nitro is almost that way about playing ball. The only thing you can do is limit his time with his favorite pastime so he begins to think of new and different activities. If you leave those ropes in eye view he's going to zone in on them and think by providing you a display of anxious anticipation you'll give one to him and start playing tug of war with him as you've done so many times before. He's used to it now and thinks by acting all crazy about getting his rope "right now" that you'll give in. Due to the fact it's worked before in the past his mind is set that he needs to react real anxious when he wants to play otherwise he just might not get his way. I suggest putting the ropes away for a while. If need be spray some of that canine bitter spray on a rope to see if it distracts him from wanting to play anymore.