National Fetch Day – October 15, 2022, history, significance
Grab your dog and the nearest Chuckit! toy because October 15 is National Fetch Day, a chance to get out in the yard, get some exercise, and build some memories. Fetch may be one of the oldest bonding activities between dogs and their humans but Chuckit!,the creators of National Fetch Day, have improved the experience for everyone involved.
This year, Chuckit! is bringing the celebration across the country in partnership with Chuckit!’s favorite restaurant and dog-friendly pub partners – all rocking it and outfitted with Chuckit! FetchPacks stuffed with great Chuckit! gear and a few other surprises for your little fetch buddy. Go support your local pub and pet – It’s the perfect way to fuel up before heading outside to play fetch with your dog!
To learn more about how you can take part in Chuckit!’s National Fetch Day activities, visit the National Fetch Day website.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL FETCH DAY
Fetch may be a game played between a dog and his human, but it has its roots tens of thousands of years ago and the game being played was survival. Recent science indicates that the first dogs were domesticated by humans sometime between 18,000 and 32,000 years ago. Their wolf ancestors slowly progressed from hunting competitors into hunting partners leading to their general domestication as pets over the millennia.
This is where fetch comes in. As a hunting partner, dogs played several different roles, one of which being to retrieve food — think the bloodhound from Duck Hunt but without the snarky laughter.
The breeds that were best at this critical component were the ones that were more likely to stick around becoming the fetch lovers we love today. Eventually, the need to fetch food was replaced by far less survivalistic endeavors (ya know, like snuggling and taking up the whole bed). And so the process of fetch became the game of fetch, only this time with a greater bonding component.
So why do dogs play fetch? Turns out, they are chemically and psychologically disposed to the game. Playing fetch feels good to them. The exercise creates a sort of “runner’s high” that triggers the reward regions in their brains. That tickling of the reward regions becomes self-reinforcing. Dogs who feel good playing fetch play fetch more.
There is also the bonding component. Dogs are notoriously loyal animals and the bond created between a dog and his human playing fetch has a significant impact on that relationship.
It provides much-needed exercise for the dog (and who are we kidding, the human too), and reinforces the relationship chemically and psychologically. Dogs love fetch. They play fetch with their humans. Dogs love their humans. What lovely math, eh?
NATIONAL FETCH DAY TIMELINE
1998
The Chuckit! Launcher is born
In honor of their enthusiastic retriever, Chester, the inventors of the Chuckit! created a ball launcher that made throwing easier and pick up slobber-free.
2013
Chuckit! finds a home with Petmate
The Arlington, Texas company brought the Chuckit! into their pet-friendly fold laying the groundwork for great fetch games everywhere.
2018
National Fetch Day is Founded
Chuckit! established National Fetch Day to celebrate 20 years of the iconic launcher and kicks off celebrations at its home in Arlington, Texas.
2019
National Fetch Day Goes Truly National
Chuckit! took National Fetch Day from coast to coast by coordinating celebrations with bars and restaurants around the country.
2020
Chuckit! Brings it on Home
This year, Chuckit! is bringing the National Fetch Day celebration home to dog lovers everywhere.
NATIONAL FETCH DAY ACTIVITIES
Party at home; Win a shopping spree.
Chuckit! marks the national festivities with a Chuckit! Champ Shopping Spree – a guided shopping experience on Petmate.com valued at $500. For a chance to win, visit www.chuckitsweeps.com to learn more about how to enter. Don’t forget to use #nationalfetchday and tag @chuckitfetchgames!
Support some local business and score some swag.
National Fetch Day is always better when shared with others. Each year Chuckit! partners with local businesses and this year is no different. Eat, drink, or shop local and grab some free Chuckit! gear. Curbside only. Check out petmate.com/nationalfetchday for details.
5 FUN FACTS TO SHARE AT THE DOG PARK
Found!
Rescuers in the Bahamas discovered a dog who survived 20 days in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian. He spent three weeks trapped under an air conditioner in the town of Marsh Harbour, on the Abaco Islands. His new name? Miracle.
Red, white and barking!
Americans loves dogs — and we own more than 75 million of them! France ranks #2 for most dog owners.
Dogs actually get jealous
Research shows your dog can feel jealous when they see you interacting with another animal. Spend some quality time with them this National Fetch Day!
Doggie inheritance?
The number of dogs named as the primary beneficiary in their owners’ wills hovers around one million!
The saluki is the world’s oldest dog
This breed turned up in Egyptian tombs from as early as 2100 BC. They were originally trained to help owners catch wild game.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL FETCH DAY
Fetch is its own reward
Dogs love to fetch things. On grass, in water, down the hallway, most can’t get enough of the game. Playing it becomes its own reward and lowers the need for positive reinforcement through other means like treats.
It’s a heck of a workout
Have you ever seen a dog book it after a ball thrown in the park? Every muscle in their bodies are working overtime to reach that prize and their cardio-vascular system is in full gear. This is great for keeping your dog healthy and happy.
It satisfies their instinct to chase
Remember, dogs are hunters and they have instincts that they need to satisfy. One of those is to chase. Clearly, they aren’t chasing a bowl of kibble so fetch helps satisfy those cravings to seek.
