#dogsandballs

More Ball Than Food

Most dogs are food-motivated, but Ranger? Not so much. He’s more toy-motivated—scratch that—ball-motivated—than anything else. Honestly, I’ve never seen a dog choose a treat over a ball. He will happily ignore snacks if there’s a ball in sight. It’s both hilarious and amazing.

How I Get His Attention for Photos

Anyone who tries to snap pictures of a hyper-focused dog knows the struggle. But Ranger has a secret weakness that makes him incredibly cooperative: his beloved tennis ball.

When I’m taking photos for brands, I simply hold a ball just behind the camera, and his eyes follow it instantly. That’s all it takes. Within moments, he’s looking right at the lens, ears up, full alert, ready for his close-up.

Once I’ve captured a few or sometimes a dozen perfect shots, he gets his reward: the ball gets thrown. And let me tell you, there’s no joy quite like watching him sprint across the yard, ball in mouth, tail wagging nonstop.

Why Tennis Balls Are More Than Just a Toy

Ranger’s obsession isn’t just cute it’s part of his personality. It’s how he plays, how he focuses, and even how we bond. The ball has become his motivation, his happy place, and a constant source of fun in our lives.

Watching him chase, catch, and carry his ball around makes me appreciate his energy, intelligence, and pure love for life. It’s little moments like these simple, joyful, and full of enthusiasm that make having Ranger so special.