Dogs are naturally playful animals who can quickly tire of any one toy.
They may prefer to interact with you partly because you are more fun, but also because this is a way for them to expend energy.
It’s thought that dogs might also play with humans especially if they have been teased or frustrated by other dogs or animals.
If you are the boss of your dog, finding ways to satisfy his natural playfulness can prevent or reduce unwanted behaviours.
Your dog will also like to play with you, and this can enhance his relationship with you.
Giving your dog plenty of opportunities to play will keep him healthy and will help keep you and your family happy.
You can also use play to teach your dog things vital for the life of a pet.
These include things like basic obedience, as well as more complex tasks such as fetching.
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Do I have to play with my dog?
There’s no rule that says you have to play with your dog.
The important thing is that you find something that is fun for both of you.
The more often you do it, the better your dog will get at it and the more fun it will be for both of you.
The few minutes a day he spends playing with you can turn into several hours as he practices new tricks and learns new ways to play.
If your dog doesn’t seem to have any interest in playing, don’t force him – he may just be too tired or busy exploring his surroundings.
It’s also important to allow him enough downtime so he can recuperate, otherwise he won’t have the energy for play later.
Playing the game with your dog
There are lots of fun games you can play with your dog.
Make sure you find something that both of you will enjoy doing. If you do, your dog is more likely to want to do it again.
Playing with your dog is a great way to make him feel loved and valued.
Dogs who are allowed to play with their owners are happier, healthier and more confident than those who aren’t.
It’s also a great way to keep yourself active – after a couple of minutes playing with your dog you might find that you’re both panting and covered in mud.
A game that you both enjoy will also help to improve your relationship with your dog.
This is because it will strengthen your bond in the same way that playing with another human would.
It may even be the case that by working together, you’ll build up a stronger bond than if you both worked independently of each other.
If you can play games like fetch with your dog, you’ll both benefit from the exercise involved.
This will also help your dog’s fitness and wellbeing.
Since you’ll be training your dog at the same time, you’ll have a fun activity to do together whenever you want – which means that both of you will have a chance to take your minds off any problems.
Playing games with your dog can also be a great way for children to interact with their pets.
This is especially useful if the pet is young and might need extra attention from adults.
Children who are allowed to play with pets are more likely to care for them properly, and will be less likely to harm dogs or other animals.
There are all sorts of games you can play with your dog.
Some dogs love playing fetch, others might prefer tug-of-war or throwing sticks.
Every dog is different, so you’ll want to find out what your dog likes doing most.
Playing games with your dog is an important part of building a close relationship with him.
If you make things fun for the both of you, your dog is far more likely to want to do it again.
It can also help strengthen your bond with your dog and help the both of you to relax after a long day.
You should play with your dog once or twice a day, for at least ten minutes each time.
This might not seem like much but it’s enough for him to feel loved and respected.
Your pet will love playing with you, and may feel more confident and happy when you interact with him.
Most importantly, it will help to control his behavior by giving him something satisfying to do.
Why do dogs like to play chase?
Your dog may be motivated by the excitement of the chase and your reaction (the fun you seem to be having).
Dogs like to play in short bursts with short periods of rest in between, so chase games are great because they fit this pattern.
They may also be motivated by prey drive; by chasing and catching, they satisfy their natural instincts.
Another possibility is that he appreciates your reaction if he catches you, a form of social praise.
What games do dogs like to play?
You may have noticed that some dogs like chasing toys such as balls, others like tugging games.
This probably depends on their breed and natural instincts.
Labradors, for example, are hunting dogs with a natural instinct to chase prey. You can feed these instincts by playing games of fetch or tug of war with them.
Chasing a toy is good exercise for a Labrador and helps to keep them in shape. Also, it won’t do you any harm to get out of breath once in a while!
Dogs that like to retrieve may enjoy playing fetch. This game involves throwing the toy to your dog and then watching them bring it back.
Play with your dog during walks—you can play games like fetch, hide-and-seek, or tug-of-war. You can also train your dog to bring you his ball.
You can use interactive games for your dog, which are especially suited for older dogs, to give them mental stimulation.
For example, play hide-and-seek with an old towel or ball. If the dog finds the old towel or ball, reward them with a treat.
If they are not successful, you can either bring out something else to hide behind, or hide it yourself.
What about social play?
It is thought that social play really helps your dog learn different social skills such as how to negotiate, where his place is in the pack and how to interpret other dog’s signals.
So if you’re also playing with other family members it may be a good opportunity for you all to interact and learn from each other.
If your dog is a puppy you can continue social play into adulthood by including him in your games, but it’s best to keep it friendly and avoid anything too rough.
What are the risks of playing with my dog?
Playing with your dog in an appropriate way helps him to be more balanced and contented.
There is also some evidence that it may be good for mental stimulation.
But if you play too roughly, your dog can get hurt or learn that he may need to bite or claw to win.
If you are the boss of your dog, finding ways to satisfy his natural playfulness can prevent or reduce unwanted behaviours.
When should I stop playing?
Your dog will give you the signal if he’s over-tired; he may want a rest, or you may see a glazed look in his eyes.
After a good long run, your dog needs a good sleep before doing it all again! So don’t be surprised if at some point your dog doesn’t actually want to play anymore.
Make sure there is a balance between your dog’s physical activity and mental stimulation; give him the opportunity to play and learn, but don’t overdo it.
Some dogs that like to play with toys will lose interest if they get bored, whereas others may become possessive and guard the toy.
Your dog may show this behaviour when you try to take it from him or he does not want to share anymore.
Dogs with guarding issues should be managed carefully.
If you’ve noticed this happening with your dog it will help you to teach him that he has nothing to guard by giving you anything he has in his mouth when you ask for it.
You can also use play that encourages cooperative, problem-solving skills.
It’s also important to give him plenty of toys that are his own, which he can chew on when he isn’t playing with you.
If your dog plays very aggressively you need to stop the game every time it turns rough and remind him what is acceptable play before you start playing again.
When is the best time to play?
Some dogs are keen during the day but quiet at night, others may enjoy games after they have eaten or had a run outdoors.
All dogs are different so make sure your dog knows what times are best for play by gently teasing him during those times.
If your dog ever behaves aggressively, use a muzzle or have a break from playing for a couple of weeks.
Does my dog need to be tired or tired out?
There is some evidence that dogs who are physically exhausted will become less aggressive.
So if your pet is hyperactive and always bouncing off the walls after a long run, try giving him a good rest before you expect him back at it again.
If your pet is injured or ill, it’s best to stop any intense exercise until the problem has been diagnosed and treated.
Is it okay to play with my dog when I’m on my own?
Many dogs get on better with some people than others, so if you have a friend or family member who has been careful around your pet in the past, try asking them over for a visit.
Dog training schools are also a great way to exercise dogs and can be a lot of fun for owners too!
Dogs that have been properly socialised around lots of different people and dogs will quickly learn that there is no need to feel threatened or protective around any person.
Although it’s important that he learns not to bite anyone at all, it’s also good if he feels comfortable with everyone.
If you have a dog that shows aggression to people who come into your home, you will need to be careful not to let this happen.
Prevent him from jumping up at them, and if he does, tell him off and lead him away from them.
Is it okay for children to play with my dog?
Children should never be left alone with a dog, even if the animal was well-trained when it came to them.
Many children do not realise the strength of a dog and how easy it is for injuries to occur – even from a pet they have played with many times before.
Play that encourages your dog to show off or play at his opponent’s expense can increase his need to do this with humans, so it is best not to encourage this sort of behaviour.
Final Thoughts
Your dog likes to play with you for many reasons.
It makes him feel good about himself, gives him a change from doing what he has to do all day, and makes him feel more in control.
Playing with your dog is a great way to bond, but it can also be a lot of fun for both of you.
Enjoy it!
