You and Your Dog: Why playing with your dog is important

Training your dog to be obedient can be achieved by having fun through playing different games with them.

By incorporating different games into its daily routine, you will help your dog develop a healthy and loving personality.

Benefits of playing with your dog include:

1. Physical health

Active play will keep your dog’s heart healthy, joints lubricated and will improve its overall balance and coordination.

2. Mental stimulation

This is of vital importance, there are games with rules that will encourage your dog to use its brain, not just its body.

Such games will help to keep the mind sharp and focused.

3. Socialisation

This is one area many owners neglect.

Many puppies are not adequately socialised and these dogs can head into serious trouble.

Allowing your dog to play with other dogs and people will improve its social skills.

Bonding with your dog is very simple, just a few minutes a day playing with your dog, will help the bonding process.

Not only your dog will reap the benefits of playing with you, you will also be alleviating some of the stress after a busy day at work.

You will also be getting some exercise.

Both you and your dog both reap the benefits, while having fun.

How to play with your dog:

There are many wrong ways to play with your dog, therefore you have to be in control of the games at all times.

You call the shots and set the rules, your dog must obey you, you decide what games to play.

The choice is up to you not the dog.

You have to establish your credibility as the pack leader, if your dog becomes overly excited, simply stop the game and try again later.

When you are teaching your dog a new game, reward them for each correct action.

Rewards are not only food treats, it can also be your dog’s most prized toy, or just lots of pats and praise.

Teaching your dog a new game:

Keep it simple and go through the game slowly, until your dog grasps what you want them to do.

Set your dog up for success and never lose patience if the dog is a bit slow at figuring out what is required.

Do not confuse your dog:

Only teach one game at a time, do not begin to teach another game until your dog has mastered the first one.

If you proceed to another game before your dog has succeeded to master the first one, you will confuse the poor dog.

Some playtime tips:

1. Avoid rough games such as tug-of-war or wrestling, these games could bring out aggressive behaviour in some breeds.

2. Stay in control, retrieval games are good at teaching control.

3. Do not include your body or clothing as part of the game.

4. Use your sit, stay and down commands as part of the game.

5. Always end the game while the dog still wants to play, you as the pack leader will decide when to end the game.

6. Lastly, have fun with your dog.

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