Is It Recess Yet?
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With a puppy, when you play with your dog you are teaching him how to play in a non-aggressive manner (at least that's how it should be, if you are doing it correctly), you are teaching how to share the object being played with (which often is YOU), and it is a fun way to give them much needed exercise (so they will sleep during the night!) As they grow, the same things apply, but the games you can play at playtime get more interesting!
Play is a time of social interaction that is both mentally and physically healthy for your pet. It is also a great reward after training sessions.
However, just like with your two legged children, dogs have to be taught what is appropriate playtime behaviour and what is not.
If your dog is biting too hard, pulling too hard, or knocking people over... you might want to consider working with him to throttle back. If you play with your dog aggressively, how can you fault him for being aggressive back? In a nutshell, you can't.
Play fair. Teasing may be fun for you, but it confuses the dog and sends mixed signals. Some dog trainers say it encourages them to behave more aggressively toward the toy or individual holding the toy. Not good, especially if children are wanting to join in.
Here is a link to an excellent page regarding how to play with your dog. We think you'll enjoy reading it.
And just because we like to stir the pot from time to time, we have included this link
by a trainer who has strong opinions about controlling play time.
In my family, play occurs inside and outside of the house. Toss, fetch, tug, hiding treats for us to sniff out, we do all of these. Also, my humans have always wrestled and lightly roughhoused with their canine pals. We LOVE it. And, we (the dogs) have always been taught how far we can take such play. My humans aren't control freaks nor are they pushovers either. They know when to be firm and when to spoil us. That's why we love them soooo much! We are also allowed to initiate play and if the play is initiated at an inconvenient time, we're told "no, not now" along with a hand signal. If we insist, and don't obey (when we are inside the house), we get to go outside, by ourself to think about it. I believe you humans call it a "time out".
Play at a Dog Park
If space in your yard is limited, or you have no yard, check to see if your community has designated dog parks or regular city parks with specific days where you can run and play with your dog on or off the leash. You can find cities with these special parks on the internet. If your dog is uncomfortable around strange dogs (and people) you should consider introducing him (or her) to this type of setting gradually, for short durations close to the sidelines so to speak, until Fido gets over his apprehensiveness. Also, when at these parks, you will be expected to have control of your dog and some also require you to pick up after your pet when he relieves himself; so be sure to take along some plastic bags for any needed poop pickups.
Take Your Dog Swimming for Water Playtime
Most dogs can swim even if they don't like the water and swimming is great exercise for them if they will let you put them in it. If you have a backyard pool and it doesn't freak you out to have Fido in it, swim with him! It's a great way to play with your dog. You'll both have fun. Just don't allow your pet to overdo it and ALWAYS make sure he or she has an easily accessible way out of the water. If your dog can't climb out (of ANY water source), it could wind up in serious trouble. Also, chlorine from your pool should be rinsed out of your dog's coat when swim time is over.
Don't have a pool, or live near a beach or a lake? See if your community has a dog pool. Really! Swimming pools just for your dog. I'm not talking about the blowup or plastic kind found in your backyard. There are private swimming pools just for dogs. These facilities are usually found indoors and are for relaxation and physical therapy. Some allow "group" swims and others have scheduled times for people and their pets. You do have to pay for access.
Enjoy your canine pal. Find time to play and make it a regular part of your day. It will benefit YOU as well.
