The Importance of Being Playful

Dogs are active creatures that require a lot of playtime. Here are some simple but effective ideas to keep your pet remaining happy and healthy through the art of play:

Tug-of-War

This is a favourite game among the doggies, but do be aware that the activity can easily turn into an aggressive affair if your dog is an eager winner. If that is the case, you will have to give up playing this sport and opt for a less competitive one. Be careful of the material that you use to play tug-of-war with your dog. For example, do not use your unwanted clothing, as your dog may learn to affiliate any pieces of your clothes with the game and rip it up.

Paddle Away

Dogs make good swimmers, but not all are born to be so. To get your dog to step into the pool for the first time, the owner should first step into the shallow pool and invite the dog to follow. Never leave your dog alone in the water alone, and help to keep it afloat while it practices to paddle with its paws.

Fetch!

This game is a classic, and will never lose its place as one of a dog’s favourite games. Experiment with different toys that you use to play with your dog. Some popular choices are tennis balls, squeaky toys or semi-flexible Frisbees. Ensure that the toys are not too small as they may be accidentally ingested by the dog, and make sure that it is also not too hard as they may chip your dog’s teeth.

Most, if not all, of a dog’s exercise is derived from its play activities, which also helps to foster a special relationship between you and dog. Cooping your dog up over extended periods of time will often lead to it developing depression. This can be told by its behaviour, such as its sudden loss in appetite, hiding and staying in corners, and reluctance to participate in the activities that it may have once enjoyed.