For most people, playing with a pet dog is a fun activity. Enjoying play is an innate trait of dogs-especially puppies-and it's a great opportunity for owners to bond with their dog. Play is also an important activity that can maintain a dog's mental and emotional health. In addition, play can be a form of exercise or physical activity that is enjoyable for dogs, depending on the intensity. There are a variety of games that can be played, from light games that can be done spontaneously to intense and purposeful sports and competitions. Try to play with your dog twice a day for (at least) fifteen minutes. For dogs who are difficult to control and irritable, it's a good idea to extend playtime to keep them happy. By learning the right types of toys and games, you can easily twist and adapt your playtime routine with your dog.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Playing Games with Dogs
Step 1. Play a game of attraction with your dog
Most dogs instinctively enjoy tug of war because it's one of the ways puppies play while pulling something with their mouth. Choose a long, soft toy (such as a stuffed animal or a knotted leash) that you can pull out of your dog's mouth and won't easily slip out of your hand when your dog bites him and jerks his head. Hold one end of the toy with both hands and apply commands such as “Take!” in the game. Once your dog has pulled it off without dropping it, wait ten to twenty seconds before you give another command to let go of the toy (eg the command “Drop it!”).
- Of course, it will take some time to teach your dog the aforementioned commands. Use positive reinforcement and treats when you teach the command. For example, hold a snack in one hand while you say the command “Drop it!” Repeat the command, but don't give the treat right away until your dog releases the toy he's pulled. After several times, your dog will begin associating the phrase and obeying even without the treat.
- Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't matter if you let your dog win the tug of war every now and then. This is a great tactic, especially to boost your dog's confidence in playing. In addition, it also does not necessarily make your dog think that he is a leader.
- Place or position the toy at your waist (or lower) so your dog doesn't jump at you or others.
Step 2. Teach your dog to catch objects
While many hunting dog breeds have long been bred to catch or 'hunt' something (think retrievers), almost all dog breeds enjoy playing catch. You can use an ordinary toy (e.g. a ball) or even an object like a frisbee or a disc made of hard plastic or rubber. Get your dog interested in the play object while you hold the object. Make sure his eyes follow the object, wherever you move it, then throw the object. Call your dog back to come with the object, then use the command “Drop it!” as you previously used to play tug of war before you throw the object back.
- If your dog doesn't understand at first that you want him to pick up the object, start teaching him to catch the object by playing a game of tug of war that requires you to throw the toy several meters away. Your dog will pick it up when the toy is thrown within that distance. Gradually you can extend the distance of throwing until finally the practice becomes a game of throw and catch.
- While it's common for people to use sticks when playing catch and shoot, they can actually hurt your dog's mouth or cause other injuries. Instead of using twigs, use toys that are safe for dogs. You can also use a soft doll to play catch and throw in the house.
- This game can also be a form of exercise that is fun for you and doesn't make you too tired. By changing the direction, distance and height of your throw, you can keep your dog excited to play for a longer period of time.
Step 3. Play hide and seek with your dog
This is a fun game because it encourages your dog to use his sense of smell. Take his favorite toy or treat with him while hiding somewhere in the house, where your dog can't see it. After that, call out his name and wait for him to find you. Cheerfully praise him when he finds you, and reward him with a prepared treat or a short game of tug of war using his favorite toy you've brought.
- Use the command “Stay here!” so that your dog doesn't follow when you try to hide. If he doesn't understand the command yet, this game can be a great way to teach it. Alternatively, you can have someone else hold your dog while you hide, then ask him to release your dog when you call his name.
- When teaching this game, choose a hiding place that is easy to find. Once he starts to understand the game, gradually hide in other places that are more difficult to find. If your dog is very good at playing with it, you can actually hide in a place where he can't see it to encourage him to use his sense of smell to find you.
Step 4. Try joining a dog stunt group
If your dog has a lot of energy and is willing to follow orders, try joining a dog agility group. You can find information about these groups at your vet's clinic, local pet stores, or online. The crafted dexterity plot includes a variety of objects and paths for the dog to traverse. These objects and paths include columnar winding paths, seesaws, step paths, and tunnels.
This fun group can test both the owner and the dog's ability to work together as a team across the objects and trails while competing against other dogs and dog owners
Step 5. Teach your dog some vocabulary
One of the interesting games you can do is teach your dog vocabulary. While showing and giving toys, say the name of the toy to your dog. Take the ball as an example. Say “Ball” and give the ball to your dog. After that, ask him to pass the ball to you and repeat the process of saying the name and giving the ball. When the ball is placed on the floor, point to the ball and say, “Take the ball”. Your dog will associate the word ball with the actual ball object, then pick it up. You can repeat this process to name other objects, as long as the object or word used is simple and short (one word only).
Step 6. Play with your dog often
Once you know some fun games and toys, make sure you play with your dog often. Try to play with him twice a day for fifteen minutes for each play session. You can also combine playtime with exercise or exercise for your dog, such as a walk in the park before your later play and walk home.
Part 2 of 2: Choosing the Right Toys for Dogs
Step 1. Learn the importance of toys for your dog
In addition to eliminating boredom, toys can also prevent unwanted behavior in dogs, and provide comfort for dogs when left alone. The right toys can also help your dog learn new commands and games.
Step 2. Buy active toys for your dog
Active toys are types of toys that dogs generally like to play with to fill their spare time. Toys like these are usually made of very hard rubber or thick knotted rope that dogs can pull and chew, and don't break easily.
- Some dog owners use chew toys made of rawhide. However, such toys are very easy for dogs to choke on because there are some parts of the raw skin that can be swallowed. Therefore, toys made of hard rubber can be a safer choice.
- Tennis balls can also be a fairly common toy option. Always supervise your dog when playing with tennis balls and immediately pick up the ball when your dog starts chewing it to prevent the risk of choking.
- Some well-known brands for durable active toy products for dogs, among others, are Nylabone and Kong.
Step 3. Buy a distraction toy for your dog
Some toys are specially designed to keep your dog busy and playing for a few hours when you can't keep an eye on him. This type of distraction toy is usually a puzzle toy that can be filled with treats the dog can enjoy. A wide selection of toys like this one allows you to open the toy and mix the treat inside with peanut butter (peanut butter is a dog's favorite treat) before putting the treat back into the toy. Your dog can nibble and chew on the toy while gradually enjoying the treats and peanut butter inside.
Toys like the busy-box are a popular choice in the distraction toy category. These hard rubber balls or cubes allow you to put treats inside. In order to get a treat, the dog must move and move the toy until the treat that is in it falls or leaves the toy
Step 4. Buy a soft toy for your dog
In addition to hard toys, dogs also like soft toys (eg stuffed dolls). Toys like these usually fall into two categories-soothing toys that dogs often carry around or “prey” toys that dogs pick up roughly and shake vigorously.
- While not technically a delicate toy, soap bubbles can be a fun 'prey' toy for dogs. Blow soap bubbles and, if your dog likes it, he'll grab and bite with pleasure. Make sure you buy a soap bubble product that is safe for dogs to prevent unwanted things from happening if your dog inhales the bubble mixture or one of the bubbles bursts and gets in your dog's eyes.
- Soft toys that squeak (e.g. rubber ducks) are the most common type of 'prey' toy because dogs often shake them to try to produce a squeaky sound. Make sure you keep an eye on your dog when playing with these toys and remove any squeaky or stuffing sound-producing devices to prevent the dog from choking.
Step 5. Try several toy options and change them regularly
As with any toy, you'll need to try several toy options before finding one that your dog likes best. For example, it's possible that your dog won't react at all to a tennis ball, but he's willing to play for hours with a toy mine. Find four to five types of toys your dog likes, and make regular toy shifts, with one or two toys given to the dog each week. This way, your dog will not get bored easily with the available toy options.
- Try to prepare at least one toy to roll, one comforter, one 'prey' toy and one toy to carry or chew with each turn.
- Often dogs have a favorite toy that falls into the calming toy category. This toy is usually guarded and always played with care, as if the toy is his 'baby'. This type of toy is usually always given in every turn of giving toys and you don't need to take it from your dog.
Step 6. Do not use items that are not used
Household items such as shoes, bungee cord, or unused belts are not the right toys for your dog. Keep in mind that dogs can't tell the difference between your old shoes and the ones you bought yesterday. In addition, dogs can also break and crush various household items into small pieces and eat them. Dogs can eat things you might not expect.
Step 7. Make sure the toys provided are safe and appropriate for your dog's size
Remove items such as leash, ribbon, or other knick-knacks that could suffocate your dog from the given toys. You also need to choose a toy that fits your dog's size. Large dogs may swallow toy balls for small dogs and, conversely, toys for large dogs or hunting dogs may be too large or too heavy for smaller dogs to play with. If a toy or foreign object is swallowed, it could get stuck in your dog's stomach or intestines. If that's the case, your dog may need more serious veterinary care (and therefore more costs) or, even, surgery. Some signs that your dog has swallowed something include:
- Throws up
- Sluggish
- Loss of appetite
- Pain or tenderness in the stomach
Tips
- Playing with dogs is an interesting part of your friendship or closeness with dogs. So, enjoy!
- Don't play games like chasing dogs. This can make it difficult for your dog to come back when you have to go somewhere.
- If you have a puppy, don't be too loud when playing the game. This can cause your dog to strike back every time you play with him. If this happens, you or your puppy could be seriously injured.
- Never hit or hurt your dog on purpose.
- Make sure you don't force your dog to play together or he won't enjoy the game.
- Use a friendly tone of voice when talking to your dog to let him know that you are happy to play with him.
- Get more information on how to train a dog and teach basic commands in this article: How to Train a Dog Using a Clicker
- Make sure you don't overwork or overexert your dog.
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