Playing with your dog a few times a day keeps them busy and relieves boredom. If left to their own devices, dogs will come up with a way to entertain themselves. This might include unwanted behaviours, such as excessive barking, chewing on shoes, walls, furniture, or ripping part of your wedding dress! (Yes, we speak from experience.)
Aside from sparing damage to household items, there are other advantages to playing with your dog.
Physical exercise is good for your dog
Like humans, dogs need exercise to be healthy. Plus, not getting enough exercise can lead to destructive habits, like the ones we mentioned above. Walking and hiking are popular activities to do with your dog, but if the weather is bad or you don’t have time to drive anywhere, we have some other ideas for you.
Play games- tug, fetch and frisbee are all good activities to get your dog active. Stuck inside with a large dog? Throw a ball down a flight of stairs and have the dog bring it back to you.
Strengthens the bond between you and your dog
Play time is quality time for you and your dog. A game of “hide and seek” can be played with your dog indoors or outside. Your dog uses all of its senses to find you and gets some exercise too. Plus, the celebration you share when your dog finds you solidifies the relationship that you have.
Mental stimulation for your dog
Yes, dogs benefit from mental stimulation, just like humans do. Try some brain games for your dog, like puzzle toys, and stuffed Kongs (we like using single ingredient peanut butter, or frozen yogurt).
One of our favourite games to play with Tayah is “go find”. We put her into a sit/stay position (training), and then while out of her sight, we put treats in different corners of the house. Then we come back and say “go find.” It’s fun to watch her nose go to work looking for the treats!
You can also provide mental stimulation (as well as socialization) by taking your dog to a pet-friendly store like Canadian Tire or Bass Pro Shop. The new and different environment will have their senses working overtime, and help to mentally tire them out. Keep this in mind as an option for those really cold or stormy days, when you don’t
want to play outside.
Teaches basic training and good manners
When puppies play, if they get too rough they might get a nip or yelp from a littermate or their mother. When playing with a stuffed toy or a gentle tug of war game, a puppy has the opportunity to learn self control, and to be gentle with his/her mouth.
If your pup nips your hand or finger with those needle-like teeth, a sharp, emphatic vocal response is okay. A higher pitch response is even better. During this type of playtime, your dog is observing you, learning social cues of what is considered good behaviour and what is not acceptable.
There may be times when it can be challenging to play with your dog a few times a day. Remember that making time for play will relieve any boredom, while providing mental and physical exercise. Everyone loves a tired dog, and the fun times will strengthen your emotional bond with each other.
