PLAY WITH YOUR DOG!

Playing is something dogs do from the time they are able to stand up and see the world and it's a great way for you to not only bond with your dog, it's an excellent opportunity to teach them some of the behaviours you expect from them.

Arthur taking a breather from a game of fetch

Puppies spend most of their time sleeping, eating and playing. As they get older and they are sent off to live in new homes, sometimes with no other animals to play with, a lot of dogs lose out on play and in turn they lose out on learning important behaviours. At the same time, people are losing out on a great opportunity to bond with their dogs.

I worked for several years in a pet food and supply store and it became very apparent how many people do not play with their dogs. Customers came in daily looking for "durable" or "indestructible" toys, their dogs couldn't chew through. I would ask them what they were looking for exactly and why and it was always the same "every time I leave a toy for him he chews it". Well, that's because most toys are meant to be interactive, they are meant to be played with by more than one and what is left for a dog to do with a toy no one is throwing for him or tugging with him, than chew it? Of course there are some dogs who are very good at entertaining themselves, but how much fun is that?

Playing tug with your dog is a great way to teach self control, the "drop it" command and to build and maintain confidence in your dog. This game also helps build and maintain muscle and strength in your dog and because of the physical nature of the game, it will help to tire your dog out too. By adding some training to the game you are also stimulating your dogs brain, making him think and learn manners.

Games like fetch and Frisbee are also healthy games to play with your dog. You can incorporate training into these games as well and the dogs have so much fun at the same time!

Scenting games are a great way to get your dog thinking and using his natural senses. Many people do not encourage their dogs to use their natural sense of smell and that is such a waste of a good nose! Hiding treats inside your house on a rainy day and sending your dog to find them is a great way to keep your dog busy and get him thinking. Mental games can be more exhausting for a dog than many physical activities, so this is a great way to spend some time with your dog. 

Of course there are many other games you can play with your dog and spending 15 or 20 minutes a day teaching a new behaviour or a trick even, can also be a great way to bond with your dog, as long as you make it fun!

Two years ago this July I brought a foster dog named Arthur home. My older dog, Marley, was never much of a playful dog, although he would play sometimes if I pestered him enough; he prefers to spend time hanging out with the family and going for walks, he's pretty chill. Arthur however is interested in nothing but playing. We play tug, fetch, chase, we wrestle and he loves to play the "find it" game, which he's actually very good at. Oh and by the way, Arthur is now my "foster fail" dog, he is forever home with us.

Over the past two years Arthur has tried to get Marley to play with him every day and finally, about six weeks ago it happened! Marley is now playing every day and even initiates the play some of the time. The change in Marley, who is eight years old this May, is incredible; he is a much happier dog and even his confidence is growing.

It's so important to play with your dog, for them and for you, and everyone will be happier and feel more alive because of it!

 

Marley playing Frisbee