No Longer wants to play

Question
I have a @5 year old male English Cocker Spaniel that I adopted from a local rescue organization 3 months ago. I had thought that he was adjusting well to his new environment.  I live alone, but a point giving him lots of exercise (a 30 - 40 minute walk in the morning before I leave for work), 30 minute walk or hour trip to the local dog park in the evening).  I work out of the house during the day.  At first, when I got him our visits to the dog parks involved a very active game of catch.  He would be very excited, bark and jump around waiting for me to throw.  He even liked walking around with the ball in his mouth.  Now, however, he seems to have lost interest.  Just wants to walk with me and greet the other dogs and owners.  Is this normally? He still will play in the house - always seems up for that.  Really want to get him interested so I can add differenct exercise activity other than walks.


Answer
Hi John,
Some dogs can lose interest in a particular "game".  If he's still normally active at home and seems sociable
when on walks, I doubt it's a problem that needs vet attention.
You might want to think about doggy-daycare while you're at work.  This tires them out and provides a lot of stimulation.  Cockers, particularly, can get a little neurotic if left alone too much.
In the dog park, try a frisbee and see what happens.
He may just have decided that fetching the ball was getting boring.
And good for you for adopting from a Rescue !
Delores