For your dog, playing is much more than just a fun pastime. It’s an essential way to develop mental skills, enhance social abilities, and connect with the environment. It’s also a vital expression of emotional well-being and an effective means to strengthen bonds with family members.
Playing provides your four-legged friend with the opportunity to express their most spontaneous natural instincts, such as chasing, jumping, running, biting, and more. That’s why it’s crucial to include playtime in your pet’s daily routine. Read on to discover how to play with your dog in a healthy and enjoyable way.
There are many games you can play with your dog, both indoors and outdoors, and nothing stops you from inventing new ones based on your relationship and habits. Here are some suggestions for spending time together while stimulating both your dog’s body and mind:
Fetch: A timeless classic among dog games. It’s usually played outdoors using a ball or a frisbee (avoid using sticks for safety). Let your dog have the opportunity to run. If you prefer to stay indoors, you can create a fetch object using an empty kitchen paper towel roll. If your dog doesn’t understand the concept of fetching the object, promise a reward like a treat or affection, and they’ll learn quickly.
Guess Where: Adapt a childhood game for your dog. Hide a toy or a treat in one hand and leave the other empty, then show both fists to your dog, indicating that they should choose one. If they guess correctly, reward them. This game is an excellent way to teach your dog to give you their paw.
Treasure Hunt: This is a real treasure hunt where your dog has to find a hidden treat in the garden or your home. To help your dog understand they need to search for the reward, start with small steps. Show your dog the treat and use a command like “find,” “sniff,” or “search.” Gradually, increase the distance between your dog and the object until they understand the game.
Limbo: This game improves your dog’s coordination. Stand beside your dog with a treat in your hand, extend your right leg, and invite your dog to pass underneath. Once they’ve gone through, extend your left leg and repeat the command. If your dog performs correctly, reward them with the treat.
Magic: A simple but highly satisfying game for both you and your dog. Show your dog a treat and then hide it under a plastic cup. Then, sit back and enjoy the creative techniques your dog uses to retrieve their reward.
Hide and Seek: A game that can help strengthen your bond even more with your four-legged friend. Your dog needs to have learned basic commands like “sit” or “stay” before you begin. Give the command, hide, and then call your dog. No matter how well you think you’ve hidden, your dog will find you quickly.
Game Rules Playing with your dog is a pleasant and enjoyable experience, but it’s important to ensure that your dog interprets your actions correctly to avoid accidents or unwanted behaviors. Here are some guidelines for playing with your dog in a healthy, safe, and constructive manner:
- Dedicate at least 20 minutes a day to play. This natural activity for your dog is as crucial as meals and walks.
- Avoid playing immediately after meals or during the hottest hours of the day.
- Play only when you’re in the right mood. If you’re not in the mood, your dog will notice it.
- Choose a suitable location for play. Ensure it’s safe and free of distractions.
- Adapt your game based on your dog’s age and physical condition.
- Use safe and appropriate objects for games.
- During the game, everything is allowed. Your dog can do anything, even things not typically allowed. However, they must be clear that you are playing. This aspect is very delicate. To achieve this, your dog must always know that you are playing.
- Always control the game. Decide when to start and stop. Remember to stop just one minute before your dog’s attention wanes, so they always remain eager to play.
- If your dog shows signs of aggression, scold them and walk away. Game over. You can resume when your dog’s balance has been restored, even the next day.
- Always reward your dog when they do the right thing well. You can reward them with a treat, a cuddle, or social interaction.
Enjoy & Play Disc Dog
