How throwing a stick to your dog could be putting their life at risk

Pip the kelpie snoozing on a bed. (Instagram: @philip_the_kelpie)

It seems like a paradox, but Canberra dog owner Helen Grinbergs insists her "no stick-throwing" policy is kind — not cruel.

"We've had Alaskan malamutes; we had a run of labradors for a while. Philip, or Pip, is our most recent dog, he's a red kelpie. High energy, lots of fun," she said.