Dogs are intelligent animals and play is very important for stimulating their minds. Playing with your dog can build your relationship, reinforce his training, and also help him learn how to get on with other dogs.
(Check out Puppy Games, Puppy Fun)
Types of Games
Games can allow your dog or puppy to express his natural instincts in a fun way. Puppies who learn to play with other dogs are less likely to be timid or aggressive. Dogs particularly enjoy playing fetch, tug-of-war, and squeaky-toy games.
Fetch
Chasing a ball or Frisbee is an excellent way for your dog to burn off energy. By bringing the toy back to you, the dog learns that he will get another go at chasing – and in the process he learns retrieval skills. Use toys rather than throwing sticks – your dog could injure his mouth by catching a stick in the air or grabbing at a stick embedded in the ground.
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Tug-of-War
This game can be fun for both dogs and people, but bear in mind that “challenging” a person can sometimes become a bit too exciting for your dog. Use special “tug” toys. Make sure you win more often than the dog does. If he takes hold of your clothes or skin, stop playing immediately and quietly turn away from him.
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Hide and Seek
This game satisfies a dog’s food-seeking instincts. Hide a bit of food inside a toy, so your dog has to scrabble and sniff around to find it, or take several plastic cups and hide some food under one of them. You could also play hide and seek with two people: one person takes the dog’s “fetch” toy – such as a ball – and hides with it, while the other holds the dog. The “hider” calls the dog, and the other person lets the dog go. When the dog finds the hider, this person throws the toy for him. This game is also fun way to teach your dog to come when called.
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Squeaky Toys
Dogs bred to catch small prey, and those with a strong predatory instinct such as terriers enjoying playing with squeaky toys. The squeak signifies the cry of an injured animal and is especially appealing to chase and catch. Some dogs may even bite the toy to pieces until it stops squeaking so make sure the toys don’t have a small or sharp bits that could cause choking.
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Children and Play
Dogs and children share a sense of fun and love of life and they can become the best of friends but they need time to get habituated to one another. Children can be a bit too rough with dogs while playing, so all play and interaction between them should be supervised. Avoid a situation where your dog is forced to retaliate and be ready to step in to help when required.
The following guidelines should help ensure everyone has fun safely:
- Explain to your dog children that playtime can be fun they must not tease a dog because this will upset him and he may bite.
- Toddlers can be unnerving for dogs as they may cry loudly and move quickly and erratically. Gently prevent your toddler from grabbing at the dog, and make sure the dog can escape.
- Explain to children that puppies tire easily and must be allowed to sleep it they want to.
- Dogs don’t like to be disturbed while they are eating. Don’t let your children play with or near a dog’s food or water bowl. Only an adult should feed a dog.
- As well as play, involve older children in training your dog. With the right support, children make skilled and enthusiastic trainers.
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