Can't Figure Out If Tess Is Really Dumb Or Just Playing

[MadWoofter]

I think Tess is geting dumber ! I play with both of them of a night with squeaky balls, and I've noticed recently that Tess will get the ball 'stuck' under her foot, and instead of lifting her foot up, she'll slide it (and the ball) over the floor, while trying to bite her foot, and will then pounce on the ball when she lets it go like it's suddenly appeared by magic.

She's not normally a dumb dog, but she's not the brightest spark either. A couple of things have changed in the last few weeks - I've moved & am now in a bigger house, and Fleming has become much more ball-focused recently (to the point he tries to take a ball out of Tess' mouth), but I don't know if this has had an impact on her (neither appear to).

I reallly can't work it out. Sometimes I think she's just entertaining herself, and other times I think she's just sooo thick she hasn't realised that if she lifts her foot up she'll get the ball !!

What do you think - entertaining herself? Or is she getting old (she's nearly 9) and can't work things out? Or is she just thick (and I won't admit it?

[Maxiewolf]

I would go with entertaining herself, I've seen Brutus do silly things like that... as if his foot is stuck ontop of what ever it is he wants.. usually a crushed plastic bottle... then its like sudden surprise when he does manage to lift his foot... and hes only 4 so I woudlnt say senile. Silly... yes.

[Keira&Phoenix]

LMAO I guess they are a bit like kids who do silly stuff to amuse themselves. Dogs have a funny sense of humour.

[sheena]

My BC girl does this with the balls when inside & with her, it's a game. She pushes it along the floor under her foot & trys to make it slip out so she can then catch it in her mouth. She usually starts doing it when she realises she has outworn her welcome with us