Buzz
For most people, playing with a dog is an enjoyable activity. It is a natural behavior for these animals, especially puppies, and it fosters a bond between the owner and their pet. Play is also crucial for a dog's mental and physical health. Additionally, play can serve as exercise or physical activity, depending on the intensity. Playtime can range from light, spontaneous activities to more intense games or sports. You should aim to play with your dog at least twice a day for a minimum of fifteen minutes. Dogs that are more irritable require more play to maintain a happy mood. To build a playful routine for both you and your pet, you can explore suitable toys and games.
Steps
Play Games with Your Dog
Play Tug of War with Your Pet. Most dogs have an instinct to play tug of war, as it is a fun way for puppies to engage their mouths while pulling objects. Choose a long, soft toy (such as a plush toy or a knotted rope) that you can tug from your dog's mouth without it slipping from your hand when your dog shakes its head. Hold one end of the toy and issue a command like 'Pick it up!' as you begin the game. After your dog pulls enthusiastically and doesn't release the toy for about ten to twenty seconds, you can give another command, like 'Drop it.'
- Training your dog to follow commands will take time. You should use positive reinforcement and rewards to teach the commands. For example, have a treat ready when you say 'Drop it.' Repeat the command but don't give the reward until your dog releases the toy. After a few repetitions, your dog will associate the command and obey even without the reward.
- Contrary to common belief, you can occasionally let your dog win the tug of war. This approach is especially effective in boosting your dog's confidence during play and will not make them think they're the alpha.
- Hold the tug toy at waist level or lower to prevent your dog from jumping onto you or others.
Teaching your dog to play fetch. While many hunting breeds, like retrievers, have a natural instinct for retrieving, most dogs love playing fetch. You can use standard play items such as a ball or a lightweight plastic disc, or choose a sturdy rubber or plastic disc. Capture your dog’s attention by holding the item in your hand, making sure their eyes follow it as you move it around, then toss it away. Call your dog back with the item and use the command 'Drop' as you would with a tug-of-war game before tossing again.
- If your dog doesn’t initially understand that you want them to chase the item, start by teaching them through a tug-of-war game. Toss the item about 12 to 24 inches away; they’ll still catch it at this distance, and you can gradually increase the distance as the game transitions to fetch.
- Sticks are a popular outdoor fetch toy, but they can cause injury or harm to your dog’s mouth. Instead, use safe pet toys or opt for soft plush toys when playing fetch indoors.
- This game is a great way to keep your dog engaged without tiring you out, as changing the direction, distance, and height of the throws will keep them entertained for longer periods.
Playing hide and seek with your dog. This is an excellent game that stimulates your dog’s sense of smell. Take your dog’s favorite toy or treat and hide it in a spot where they can’t see you. Then, call their name and wait for them to find you. Praise them when they succeed and reward them with a treat or engage in a quick tug-of-war game with the toy you’ve used.
- Use the command 'Stay' to prevent your dog from following you while you hide. If your dog hasn’t yet learned this command, this is a good opportunity to teach it, or you can ask someone else to hold them in place while you hide, releasing them only when you call them.
- Start with an easy hiding spot when first teaching your dog to play this game, and gradually increase the difficulty as they get better. Once they master the game, you can hide farther away, forcing them to rely on their sense of smell to locate you.
Joining an agility training group for dogs. If your dog has lots of energy and is eager to follow commands, you might want to consider joining a dog agility group. These groups can be found through local veterinary clinics, pet stores, or online. The agility courses feature a variety of objects and pathways designed to teach dogs how to navigate them, including weaving poles, seesaws, jumping hoops, ramps, and tunnels.
- This exciting activity helps build teamwork between the owner and dog, challenging both to navigate obstacles and find their way through a course in competition with other owners and their dogs.
Teaching vocabulary to your dog. Another fun game is teaching your dog new words. When you toss a toy, say the name of the object. For instance, say 'Ball' as you give your dog the ball. Then, ask your dog to bring it back and repeat the process of saying the name and handing the ball to them. Once the ball is on the floor, point to it and say, 'Get the ball.' Your dog will associate the word 'ball' with the actual ball and will run over to fetch it. This method can be applied to nearly any object, as long as you use simple words.
Regularly playing with your dog. Once you have interesting games and toys, it’s important to make playing with your dog a routine. Play with your dog twice a day for about fifteen minutes each time. You can combine play with other forms of exercise for your dog, such as a walk to a nearby park before playing and then walking back home afterward.
Choosing the Right Toys for Your Dog
Understanding the Importance of Toys. Apart from preventing your pet from getting bored, toys help deter unwanted behaviors and provide satisfaction when your dog is left alone. The right toys also serve as a great tool for teaching commands and new games to your dog.
Purchasing Active Toys for Your Dog. These are the toys your dog will enjoy the most. Typically made from tough rubber or thick rope knots, they allow your dog to carry them around and chew without immediate destruction.
- Some people use leather toys, but they can pose a choking hazard as dogs often chew small pieces of leather, so opt for tough rubber toys for safety.
- Tennis balls are a common active toy. However, be sure to supervise your dog while playing with the tennis ball, and dispose of it immediately if your dog begins to chew it to avoid choking hazards.
- Popular and durable active toy brands for dogs include Nylabone and Kong.
Buying Distraction Toys for Dogs. Certain toys keep your dog engaged for hours when you can't be around. These are typically puzzle toys that contain treats to attract your dog's attention. Many of these toys allow you to crush treats and mix them with peanut butter (a dog favorite!) before putting the mixture into the toy. Your dog will then chew on the toy, gradually reaching the treat and peanut butter over time.
- The "Busy Box" is a popular toy in this category. It consists of a tough rubber block where you can hide treats, and your dog can only retrieve the treats by moving the toy around until the treats fall out.
Purchasing Soft Toys for Your Dog. Dogs enjoy soft, plush toys in addition to those made from tougher materials. Soft toys generally come in two types: a lightweight version that your dog can carry around continuously or a "destroyer" type that requires the dog to exert force to pick it up and shake it.
- Though not technically a soft toy, bubbles can function as a "destroyer" toy for dogs. Blow bubbles, and if your dog enjoys it, they will pounce and bite them eagerly. Just be sure to purchase safe, dog-friendly bubble brands in case they accidentally swallow a bubble near their eyes.
- Soft toys that squeak are a popular type of "destroyer" toy, as dogs often shake them to make the squeaky part fall out. Always supervise your dog while playing with these toys and remove the squeaker or any loose parts to prevent choking.
Try Various Toys and Rotate Them Regularly. For any toy, you need to experiment with several types before finding the one your pet enjoys the most. For instance, your dog might not be interested in a tennis ball but could happily play for hours with a rope toy. Prepare four to five toys that your dog loves and rotate them regularly, letting your dog play with one or two each week. This will keep your dog from getting bored with the same toys.
- Rotate toys meant for rolling, soothing, "destroying," and one designed for carrying/chewing.
- Dogs usually have a favorite soothing toy they cherish. This is often the main toy you can provide for frequent use during the rotation of toys.
Avoid Household Items as Toys. Household objects such as old shoes, jump ropes, or belts are not suitable toys. Dogs cannot distinguish between old and new shoes, and they might destroy and chew on anything they find. They will chew on things you would never expect.
Choose Safe and Appropriately Sized Toys. Remove items like strings, ribbons, or other potential choking hazards from your dog's toys. Also, ensure that the toy is the right size for your pet. Larger dogs may swallow small dog toys, while smaller dogs can't use toys meant for larger breeds. If a dog swallows a toy part or foreign object, it may enter the stomach or intestines, requiring expensive medical treatment or surgery. Signs your dog may have ingested a foreign object include:
- Vomiting or retching
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
Advice
- Playing with your dog is a fun part of your relationship, so enjoy it!
- Avoid playing "chase the dog." If you need to go outside, it will be difficult to call them back.
- When you are dissatisfied with any behavior, redirect your dog with something else. Positive reinforcement is always more effective than negative reinforcement, as it won't scare your dog.
- Do not play rough with puppies. They may resist during play, which could lead to serious injury for either you or your puppy.
- Never hit or harm your pet intentionally.
- Don't force your puppy to play with you, as they will lose interest.
- Speak gently to your dog so they know you're enjoying your time together.
- You can find training tips and basic command obedience techniques using switches.
- Don't let your pet overexert themselves during playtime.
- Make sure to provide water for your dog after playtime.
Warning
- Properly train your pet. Some dogs can become overly aggressive and lose control of their strength. Do not allow others, especially children, to play with your dog until you are sure they will not bite or jump on others.
