If you want a dog that's kind of naturally playful, well into their teens, you might consider a terrier next time. Even Maddie, my couch potato girl, was playful, when you hauled out the stuffies. I've got pictures of her a week or two before she died, playing with a mouse toy I got her. Murph at almost 14, still gives Oz a run for his money in the play department too. He taught Oz the play spin and the Cairny play growl.

I also think you have to be exciting to get them playful. Gully at 3 mos, shows no interest in me just standing there throwing a ball for him. So I'll get a toy and make a big deal about first. "Who wants the toy?!?!? You want it?!?!? You want it?!?!?" Once they're revved up and interested, I start running around with it, getting them to chase me. Then I'll throw it to let them pounce on it. Before they can take off with it, I grab an end and we tug a lil'. Then I have them let go and we start all over again. Oh and while I'm running, there's lots of high pitched "Wooooo Woooooin" coming out of me. We're working on Fetch too. I usually toss in catch and tug to make it more fun. Oh and he loves Buster Cube hockey. I've got wood floors and with all the sliding action of the cube, it's a free for all, as we're all batting it around and diving for it. Well that is until Oz gets it and takes it off to the bedroom to calm the game down, before somebody gets hurt.

Par...