A Tricolor Corgi Puppy Found a Tennis Ball and Refused to Share

Proud as can be, a tricolor puppy grips a fuzzy yellow-green tennis ball in her mouth and looks off to the side with bright eyes. Her black coat, tan eyebrows, and white chest stand out, and one ear tilts forward as if she is listening for a cheer. She stands on a cream knit blanket in a room with a couch and a pair of slippers in the background.

Tennis balls are a classic dog toy, but they deserve a few safety notes. The fuzzy covering can wear down teeth with heavy chewing, and a ball small enough to fit at the back of the throat is a choking hazard. Choose a size big enough that she cannot swallow it, and take it away when it begins to fall apart. Supervise fetch sessions and keep the games short for a puppy.

Corgis are herding dogs, and many love to chase and carry. Teaching a puppy to bring the ball back, then trade it for a treat, is a fun way to practice "drop it." Short, playful sessions on a soft surface are easier on her growing legs and back than endless fetching. Keep her at a healthy weight, since extra pounds put pressure on that long spine. Your vet can help with exercise advice.

This little athlete is clearly very pleased with her catch, and she is not planning to give it up quickly.