Yooper Fetch Is The Weird, Wonderful Dog Game You Need

Most Michigan dog owners play fetch with their dogs, but have they ever tried "Yooper Fetch" with their best friend?

When Humans First Began Playing Fetch With Dogs

Dogs have been man's best friend between 15,000 and 30,000+ years ago. Humans began domesticating dogs from wolves, making them the first domesticated animal.

Historians suggest, dogs were likely companions of hunter-gatherers during the Paleolithic period with concrete archaeological proof of burial, such as a 14,000-year-old site in Germany, confirming an intimate, pet-like relationship.

While the exact moment of playing fetch is not documented, researchers believe the behavior originated from the canine instinct to chase and retrieve prey, which early humans encouraged for practical purposes.

Read More: Michigan Shortens Coyote Season, Adds Management Hunt

Even in today's world, hunters will often play a fetch like game with a pheasant or grouse wing in order to help train their bird dog's.

Your Dog’s New Favorite Game Might Be Yooper Fetch

Even if you don't own a dog, you have at least seen someone else play fetch with their dog. From balls, Frisbees, to sticks, snowballs, or floating toy, dog owners throw something a dog can play fetch with. Yoopers in Michigan's Upper Peninsula may have invented a new way to play the game.

I knew my dog was a Yooper when...
byu/BridgePrestigious567 inyooper

In the video above, a Yooper plays fetch with his dog Millie using a hockey stick and puck with something called Yooper Fetch. Looks fun for the owner and the dog, and may be something you might try with your pet this winter.

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