How Does Play Benefit Adult Dogs?
As dogs grow and develop, they can still benefit from playtime with their owner and fellow dogs. In fact, studies show that, paws-down, dogs much prefer playing with their owners than independently. What can your dog get out of some playtime with you?
You’re Training Your Dog, Even If You Don’t Realize It
One of the benefits to playing with your dog is that it’s a fun way to get in some daily training. Now I’m not talking about traditional “teach your dog a trick” training, but I am talking about reinforcing desirable behaviors. And in the case of play that revolves around teaching your dog to follow some basic rules.
Does your dog get too mouthy while playing tug? When that happens I simply stop playing the game. If you stop the game because your dog gets too mouthy you’re teaching them biting your hand is not acceptable. Does that feel like traditional training? Not exactly, and that’s why it’s so easy to forget that we’re training when we’re engaged in play. And that’s one of the greatest things about playing with your dog — it gives you a chance to reinforce good behaviors and have fun, all at the same time.
We all know that physical exercise is important for our dogs, but we often overlook the importance of mental exercise. Interactive games like tug or fetch might seem like a simple way to keep your dog busy, but they also provide a lot of mental stimulation for your dog.
Since games rely on some basic rules such as “you need to bring the frisbee back if you want to keep playing” they give your dog a chance to make their own decisions and help them build focus. Adding in a few quick games to your dogs routine is a way to ensure your dog gets a nice mental workout each day.
Great Ways to Play with Your Pet
To get the most out of playtime, there are several practices to incorporate and some to avoid. With the proper routine, pet owners can activate their pet’s mind while improving their listening and obedience skills.
Fetch is a great way to train obedience and retrieval skills. Incorporating commands, such as “sit” and “drop it,” will help reinforce lessons you have already been teaching.
Search games where dogs look for a treat or toy that has been hidden in or under something are great mental exercises. Games that keep their attention and that require thinking are great ways to sharpen their senses. Best of all, they are excellent opportunities for you to strengthen your bond.
When playing with your pet in a public area, like a park, you are also increasing their social skills. Being around new people, animals and places can make it easier for your pet to make new friends.
The Importance of Play
Setting aside time to play with your dog is critical for your pet’s health. An active lifestyle provides significant benefits that contribute to a pet’s overall well-being. Playing with your pet on a consistent basis is extremely important if you leave your dog home alone for extended periods of time.