Why play matters!

Playing with our dogs is something we all often enjoy doing but did you know that it also has a lot of benefits?

From playing tug, to retrieval work, playing with your dog is all about a competition between you and your dog to see who can win against the other. Cooperative play like tug of war is one of the best games you can play with your dog as it builds connection between you and your dog over playing tech which is a very disconnecting game and requires your dog to work alone.

So why is play so important for your relationship and training with your dog?

Good play helps to build relationship, confidence, connection and enjoyment as well as you being able to work on obedience and impulse control in the midst of it all too!

Relationship

There is something really special about playing with your dog and it can have huge positives in your relationship together! Playing together and having fun with minimal expectations is such a good way to build your relationship with your dog in a fun and enjoyable way. Tug of war especially is a game that is a great way to build a positive relationship as it's a competition between you and your dog to see who can win the toy off the other one!

Confidence

Play can be used in SO many different ways to build confidence and is a powerful way to reward your dog for doing good things. Letting your dog win the game is as especially good way to boost their confidence - especially for a dog who can be nervous or shy! You can also use play as a powerful way to reward your dog, particularly if they are in a stressful situation or are struggling with nervousness.

Connection

For games like tug or war, it is a game where your dog HAS to connect with you in order to play which boosts the connection you have with your dog as a whole. It's why fetch isn't our preferred game as this is a game that requires little to no connectivity between you and your dog in order for it to be fin for the dog. However, tug can only happen if both you and your dog are invested in the game which encourages your dog to connect with you rather than disconnecting from you which builds relationship too!

Obedience

Although it shouldn't be your focus, you can also use your playtime as a way to work on your dogs basic obedience using the toy as a motivator or a reward! Things like teaching your dog to sit and wait before getting the toy, dropping the toy when asked and doing things like heel work, tricks and downs is a great way to make the most out of your play sessions. Ensure you aren't doing too much obedience and still taking the time to let your dog have fun and enjoy the game without expectations as well though otherwise you may find your dog looses interest in the game as there are so many rules and a low chance of them winning.

Impulse control

Similar to obedience, you can also teach impulse control whilst doing your toy work as a way of making your play work more fun as well! Teach your dog to sit and wait before getting the toy, throw the toy and ask your dog to wait to get it and try recalling your dog off the toy sometimes too. This builds impulse control and helps your dog to learn an important skill they they'll use in the real world. Again, ensure you aren't doing this too much and are giving your dog time to just play and have fun during your sessions as well.

If you're interested in learning more about how play work can help you and your dog, message a member of the team and we'll be happy to help!