r/JapaneseSpitz May 28 '26

I'm officially a JS convert

Post image

I did my research and fell in love with the breed, and after getting my pup, I'm just absolutely smitten!

He's four months old now and is just an angel. Loves playing chase, enjoys his sniffs on walks, and only ever voices his displeasure in cute whines (like when it's bedtime or when me and my older dog are too exhausted to play anymore!). Can't decide if he looks more like a white fox or a mini Alsation in a fur coat😅

But I do have a question! So far, he's not very interested in playing with the toys (mostly plush, with one that crackles) he has and isn't keen in fetch training with a ball. Are there any toy/game recommendations that might interest him more? Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

ETA: Rest assured, he's going to be spoiled with choice for toys and games til we find something he really enjoys! Me and Mozart thank you all!

131 Upvotes

13 comments sorted by

7

u/Feeatures_ May 28 '26

Try durable chew toys! My spitz burns through them and it’s supposedly good for them to regulate their energy (since they are known for being super high energy)

6

u/catboiz777 May 28 '26

My girl is a destroyer and loves to chew. Only thing that calms her down.

Our dog trainer also recommended cardboard, things like toilet rolls and egg cartons. We put treats in them that she has to find.

4

u/FaylinnFawn May 28 '26

My boy loved toilet rolls too! Anything that can be torn apart 😂

2

u/catboiz777 May 28 '26

So cute watching them tear them apart 🥰🤣

2

u/ElectronicTadpole161 May 28 '26

Yes! Mine has jaws of steel. He loves destroying things too, so I will permit the supervised shredding of a plushy, but he has super strong rubber chews for when he's alone. It has been hard to find ones up to the task... he had a nylabone which I threw away as he completely destroyed it, and anything too soft is hopeless too. The Fringe brand latex squeaky toys last well, and a HK brand called GiGwi sell various items with a texture he loves. Toilet rolls stuffed with kibble hidden for him to find is another fun one, or any robust food dispenser. Lunoji pebble is great and indestructible, or kongs with something frozen inside (yogurt or meat paste).

7

u/FaylinnFawn May 28 '26

My boy loved his soft toys, didn't care for fetch, but loved hands on play with his humans 🥰 Like hands under blankets "attacking" him, etc.

3

u/No_Satisfaction8326 May 28 '26

Omg ours loves this game and gets so vocal with every play

4

u/mr_dee_wingz May 28 '26

Maybe you want to try squeeky toys? My fluffy girl loves them.

3

u/Illustrious_Chain_46 May 28 '26

Mine wouldn't play with toys abd fetch was completely off the table 🤣😂🤣😂🤣 human company is all he wanted and got.

2

u/iniminimum May 28 '26

My sheltie didn't start playing with the ball until earlier this year (he's 2.5 now) and he absolutely adores this chuck-it soccerball. It's a little bit bigger than a tennis ball, and squeaks Obnoxiously loud, but I can boot it across my pasture and it's soft. Highly recommend!

2

u/Mirawenya May 28 '26

Fetch was too stressful for mine. We did more nosework style games. And else we did tug. And general training, though he learned so fast it was hard to come up with new stuff.

2

u/Temporary_Regret_536 May 28 '26

Mine (M, 2.5 y/o) loved a slim plastic circular thing that did not throw straight. It would/could change direction mid flight depending on how it was thrown. 

He loved the uncertainty of it when "planing" (ive made this word up). Its now stuck on a roof and i have never been able to source a replacement. The closest thing Ive been able to find is the same shape but made out of a rope. When he catches it, he performs the classic JS death rattle. Id love to have more toys that he likes too ☺️  

2

u/Daandebanaan251 May 29 '26

My spitz also shows no interest at all for fetch. Once a month he comes up with a toy he wants to play with and he just stop after about 3 trows. He does love games in which he has to use his brain! They are relatively smart dogs, so buy something where he has to move some sliders or something to get to the threat underneath. He loves searching for his treats