How to play with a dog?

Basic Precautions

Playing with dogs is not complete without toys. It can be ropes, balls, squeaking figures of various shapes, colors and smells. However, not all toys are harmless to animals. When choosing, pay attention to the following:

• Dog toys should be made from natural materials. It is especially necessary to avoid plastic products, as pets erase their teeth on it;

• Toys must be made specifically for animals! High-quality pet products do not contain materials and dyes that can cause allergies or poisoning in a dog, injure it (both externally and internally if swallowed).

Precautions also apply to the way the game is played:

• On the street, the dog must play while on a leash. No matter how well a pet is trained, a loud noise or other dogs can frighten it and make it run away. An exception may be games on a specially fenced area for dogs, with a high fence;

• In no case should you play in the search for treats on the street. Otherwise, the dog will get used to taking food from the ground and, as a result, may become a victim of the so-called dog hunters;

• Any victory of the dog or a correctly executed command should be rewarded. Praise will motivate the pet and show that he is loved;

• Toys should be of interest to the dog. Therefore, sometimes a pet needs to be gradually accustomed to a new thing.

Games in the house

You can have fun not only on the street, but also in a very small apartment. To do this, turn on the imagination and look around. What can be done at home?

• Search for items

  Dogs of all breeds love to search. As an object of search, you can use dog toys, treats, strong-smelling objects. This game can be made with different difficulty levels. First you need to teach your pet to search. To do this, take his favorite toy and put it in an easily accessible place. Give the command “Search (name of the toy)” and invite them to search with a gesture. When your pet completes the task, praise him. During the game, he will learn the names of the items he is looking for, which will come in handy in the future.

• Search for a specific item

  This game will be interesting for dogs that have already learned at least three names of objects (for example, a ball, a ring, a stick). While the pet does not see, you hide a few toys in the apartment, then release it and give a clear command, such as “Look for the ball” or “Where is the stick?”. When the pet finds the desired item, praise him. The dog should bring exactly the item that you named. This game is suitable for the street. As an object of search, you can also use a person well known to the dog (“Where is mom?”), Then you get a game of hide and seek.

Outdoor games

Outdoor games are more suitable for the street, but it is important not to forget about the leash.

• Tug of war

  This game makes the pet feel excitement, competition, so when the dog pulls the toy towards him, he should feel that you are pulling him in your direction. Otherwise, she will quickly get bored. Be careful: pulling is not safe for puppies that have not yet formed a jaw, as it can damage the teeth.

• Running

  Take your pet for a run! For this game, it is important to take into account the physical capabilities of the dog. For example, dachshunds can run fast, but it is undesirable for them to jump high and often.

• Overcoming obstacles

  In this game, you need to come up with an obstacle course for your pet. You can put boxes and arches at different distances. Then the dog will have to, following the commands of the owner, jump on obstacles, crawl under them, climb up the stairs and so on. This game requires basic training and is well suited for the interior of a country house or cottage.

Play is a way of interacting with the world not only for children, but also for animals. It is with the help of the game that a person can show his love to his pet, hone his obedience skills and have a great time with him.

August 28 2017

Updated: October 5, 2018