Playing with your dog is an important way to keep them healthy, both physically and mentally. Not only will proper play help them stay fit, but it can also help socialize them and prevent behavioural issues.
The key to proper play is understanding what is considered normal dog play behaviour. The types of play that come naturally to dogs can include rough play, chase play, and social play. If you want to encourage normal play behaviour, you should give your dog an appropriate outlet, show them play signals, and find them playmates with similar play styles.
Types of Play
Rough play is a great way for your pup to have fun and let off some steam. It usually involves lots of chasing, barking, and general roughness between dogs.
When engaging in this type of play, it’s important to make sure that all the dogs involved are comfortable and none of them are getting too rough. If one pup seems to be getting hurt or overwhelmed, it’s best to interrupt the play and give the pup some space.
Chase play is another form of play that your dog may enjoy. Think of it as a game of tag or hide and seek with your pup. To start, you can try hiding a toy or treat and letting him seek it out.
This can help teach your pup the basics of hide and seek and also give him some exercise. Just remember to always keep an eye on your pup so he doesn’t get too excited and rough.
Social play is when your pup plays with other dogs, either in your home or at the dog park. It’s important to remember that all dogs have different levels of comfort, so it’s best to start with a few short play sessions and get to know the other pup’s play style. This way, you can make sure that both your pup and his new playmate are having a good time.
Rough Play
Rough play is a very normal and important part of canine interaction. It consists of physical contact such as jumping, pushing, and wrestling. For the most part, it is neither aggressive nor harmful.
This type of play usually stops after a few seconds when one of the participating dogs has had enough. It’s important to monitor your dog’s interactions with other dogs to make sure they don’t get too rough.
If you notice that one of your dog’s playmates is getting too rough, it’s best to separate the dogs and redirect their energy to a more appropriate activity.
When your pup is roughhousing it’s important to make sure that he’s not being too rough. If your dog is getting overly excited and is attacking another dog, or if he’s engaging in behaviors such as biting and snapping, it’s important to intervene. Redirect your pup’s energy to a better activity and discourage any behaviors that are too rough. That way, your pup will learn to play safely and stay within the bounds of normal play behavior.
Chase Play
Chase play can be an exciting, stimulating, and healthy activity for your pup. It involves chasing, stalking, and running all of which can help build muscle and provide an outlet for physical and mental energy. Encourage chase play in a safe area such as a fenced-in yard, and always keep an eye on the interaction to make sure that it stays safe and fun.
When you see your pup initiating chase play, it’s a sign that they’re feeling playful and energetic. It’s important to note that chase play can easily get out of hand and become too rough, so it is important to make sure that your pup is playing at an appropriate level of intensity.
If you notice your pup chasing or being chased too aggressively, it’s time to intervene and make sure that the play stays under control.
Make sure to give your pup plenty of breaks and reward them when they play appropriately. It’s important to provide your pup with appropriate outlets for their chase play.
If you have another pup, they can be a great playmate for chase play. If not, try to find another pup that is a good match for your pup’s energy level. You can also use toys such as balls or frisbees to engage in chase play with your pup. Providing your pup with regular opportunities for chase play can help them stay physically and mentally healthy.
Social Play
Social play is a great way for your dog to interact with others. It can be a great source of exercise and mental stimulation, and can even help dogs build important social skills.
When engaging in social play, it’s important to keep in mind that some dogs may be more aggressive than others. If your dog is playing too rough, it’s usually best to intervene and separate them.
Encourage your pup to take breaks if necessary, and give them plenty of praise and positive reinforcement when they are playing nicely. It’s also important to make sure your pup is playing with other dogs that have a similar play style. If you have a smaller, more timid pup, don’t let them play with larger, more aggressive dogs.
If your pup is more rambunctious, make sure they’re playing with other dogs that can handle their energy levels. Doing this will ensure that all involved have a safe and enjoyable playtime.
Encouraging normal play in your pup is essential for their social development. To help your pup get in the habit of playing in a healthy way, start with giving them an appropriate outlet. Make sure they have access to a safe, open area where they can interact with other dogs, as well as chewable toys they can play with.
Show your dog various play signals, like lowering your body and wagging your tail, to model the type of play you want.
Find playmates with similar play styles. Taking the time to find a pup with a compatible play style can help prevent rough play or overly-dominant dominance struggles. Let your pup explore and play in a safe environment, where you know that their behavior is appropriate.
As long as they are still able to listen to your commands and practice social etiquette, you can be confident that you are successfully encouraging normal play.
They will be able to interact with other dogs and learn how to express themselves in an appropriate way. Set up play dates with other owners who are just as invested in fostering healthy play, and if ever your pup shows signs of aggression, take a break and reassess the situation. With all of these tips, you can rest assured that your pup will have plenty of opportunity to engage in healthy and happy play.
Just remember to keep an eye out for aggressive behavior and provide adequate outlets. That way, you can be sure that your pup will grow up playing in a positive, normal way.
Give Your Dog an Appropriate Outlet
It’s important to give your dog an appropriate outlet for their energy. Allowing them to play and explore their environment is a great way to do this.
Give them plenty of toys and let them outside to explore. Consider taking them for regular walks to help them stay mentally and physically engaged.
If your dog has been cooped up inside all day, they are likely to be full of energy and ready to play. Spend some time with them walking around the house or in the garden, playing fetch or tug-of-war. Be an active participant in your dog’s playtime, as this will help them learn how to play responsibly and understand what is and isn’t acceptable. Look for dog playgroup activities to provide them with a safe and supervised place to play with other dogs.
Show Your Dog Play Signals
It’s important to show your dog play signals when you are encouraging them to participate in normal play behavior. Dogs communicate differently than humans and can’t always comprehend the subtle cues that humans use. To get your dog to play, show them playful body language such as wagging your tail, bowing in front of them, and clapping your hands.
You can also use vocal signals like a growl or bark, or try using a stuffed toy to get your pup excited. When your dog does something that you want to encourage, make sure you give them lots of praise and reward them with treats.
This will help your dog understand that their behavior is appreciated and will make them more likely to do it again in the future. Try to be patient with your pup and don’t expect them to understand your play signals right away. With enough practice, they will soon be able to recognize them and engage in normal play behavior.
Find Playmates with Similar Play Styles
When it comes to finding playmates for your pup, it’s important to find ones with similar play styles. If you find dogs that have the same energy and play style as your pup, it can help ensure that all parties have a good time!
You should also consider the age of the dog and how they interact with each other. If they seem to be getting along, you’re off to a good start! One great tip is to start off by playing with both dogs separately first.
This way, you can observe how they interact and get to know their individual play styles.
If you’re in a public place, like a dog park, keep a close eye on how your pup interacts with other dogs. If you notice them getting too rough, you can intervene and redirect the behavior, if necessary. This can help to ensure that everyone is playing nicely and having a good time!
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
