Getting dog to play with toys on its own?

Question

I have a German Shepherd and she has quite a few toys but never plays with them by herself. Which ofcourse means on the occasions when no one is home she gets into mischief (barking, occasional dig). She doesn't do this when people are home because she knows she isnt allowed, but a neighbour mentioned the barking and i noticed it when i slept in once and she was barking.

Perfectly good toys there. We also have a pretty big backyard and i think she spends more time chasing bees and flys than playing with her toys.

Answer 1

like my dogs, she prob. wants to play with her toys with a human involved. as far as barking we got our dogs bark collars, one zap and they never bark when they have those on, all we have to do now is show them the collars and they zip their lips.

Answer 2

  As long as your dog has the ability to go outside and play with things out there, she should be fine even if she does not play with what you have inside. You should watch that she does not start getting anxious when you are gone, because this can cause neurological problems. If she starts to jump up on you when you come in, or if she starts to chase her tail or things that are not normal to her behavior you should consult a veterinarian about keeping her more entertained while you are gone. Have you tried hiding food inside her toys, that might get her to play with them more.    

Answer 3

i have a male and female German Shepherd Huskie mix. I have had the male longer than the female. When i first got the female (she was from the pound) she was a puppy. It seemed as if no one every played with her before. She would never play with the many toys i offered. I just kept encouraging her too play and worked long and hard to show her how to play. The male helped too he would role modle how to play. She now plays alot by herself and with the male.