When we brought Beau home, he came with a bright orange rubber ball. Probably his first toy and a sort of security object. The first thing he looks for in the morning is his ball and it is under his chin whenever he lays about. It is a very chewable, non destruct ball that comes from America and the easiest place to buy is from the internet.
Of course it goes on every walk for throwing games and there is often a job to retrieve it from other dogs. How awful we thought if it gets lost, lets buy a replacement in case. I found the supplier and bought 2 identical balls in make, size, colour etc but he is so not interested. He will chase a new one but on sniffing doesn't want it. So far I have washed old and new balls together, rubbed them together, rolled them about but he is just not interested. I have even rubbed a bit of meat over it.
I am baffled! There must be something different but can't see what. On the odd occasion that he barks because he has lost it indoors, we have to crawl about looking under furniture until we find it. we find it. Substitute won't do at all.
If his original ball ever goes missing, we are in trouble as he absolutely loves his ball. He bats it around the room and tosses it about, keeping himself amused for ages. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has had a similar problem, or any ideas.
Sounds silly I know to fuss over a ball but