How can I play with my dog?

Playing with your dog

Dogs are the most popular pets kept all over the world. People keep dogs to get rid of their loneliness and spend some quality time with them. Keeping dogs as pets makes people responsible and keeps them mentally and physically active. So keeping dogs active is also the responsibility of dog owners.

Playing games with dogs makes them physically healthy and makes them sharp and active. Winning games encourages them, which gives them a sense of accomplishment and makes them mentally strong. By playing games, dogs learn a lot about communication, and you get to know the strength and nature of your dog very well. Games will also prevent dogs from developing aggressive behavior.

It is important to know the nature of your dog

Before you start playing with your dog, you should know what your dog's nature and strength is and what game your dog likes best. Many games are mainly for aggressive and assertive dogs, such as a flirt stick or tug-of-war. But there are also games for small dogs, such as agility course and hide-and-seek. The choice of game should therefore depend on the strength of your dog.

Rules to follow

• Rough and wrestling games are not allowed.
• Do not allow dogs to damage things or chase animals or children.
• Toys should be below waist height for easy grabbing and encouragement.
• Whatever games you choose for your dog, they should be played regularly.
• The gaming sessions should be short, such as 5 to 10 minutes
• Praise and encourage dogs during play.
• Dogs should not be forced to play

First learn, then treat

Most dogs do not know that they should play with toys. So it would help if you first teach your dog how to play with toys and other games. The following measures will help your dog play with toys and with you.

• Make sure there is only one child in the room when teaching games.
• You should be sitting at ground level, and your voice should sound enthusiastic.
• Toys should not be pushed towards the dog. Instead, toys should be pulled away from them.
• Toys must be pulled away, then dropped, and then grabbed again. This game will teach dogs the trick of grabbing and competing.
• Once your dog has grabbed the toy, you should try to take it away.
• The dog should be praised and encouraged verbally and physically during the training process.
• They can also be encouraged with strong smelling biscuits and treats (for dogs)

Games that dogs like to play

Here are some popular games that dogs love to play and keep them physically and mentally strong.

1- Flirt pole/ Flirt stick

A flirt pole is a training device for dogs. It consists of a stick attached to a lure with a rope. This is used to train dogs to chase prey in a non-destructive way. This is especially good for high-energy dogs because even a short one can tire them out. This is also a great source of stimulating reflexes.

Winning by catching lures is an excellent source of fun for dogs. Letting them win is also necessary because it will encourage them and increase their interest in the game.

Remember, because it is a tiring game, start slowly with sessions of short intervals, so that the dog gets used to it; once he has completed his basic training, you can increase the duration of the intervals. If a dog has joint problems or pain, this game is not for him because it can aggravate the condition.

2- Tug of war:

This game is not the only source of fun and excellent physical training, but it is the perfect game for dogs to practice manners. For this, use a playset or a tug rope especially for dogs . The rule of the game is simple - the game stops when the dog's mouth touches the owner's skin. Dogs will have a hard time with this rule at first, but once they get used to it, it will be a great source of fun for them. Following the rules will also encourage them to obey your commands, and the dog will be more mannered than those who do not play.

3- Agility course:

Agility is one of the favorite games for dogs because they love learning new tricks. It is fun and a great source of mental stimulation for dogs. There are many different types of agility courses available on the market. You can also create an agility course at home by changing the daily obstacles. This can be expanded from a single obstacle to obstacles that cover your entire house. This allows for almost all types of exercise such as walking, running, jumping, and impulsive training such as problem solving.

4- Bubble hunting:

Chasing bubbles will make dogs happier and will make them active. You have to blow bubbles so that the dog will chase the bubble and burst it. If he doesn’t, you have to chase bubbles yourself at first, and then by pointing to the bell and asking the dog to chase it, he will do the same. Once they get used to it, it will become their favorite game.

5- Retrieving games:

Another fun game for your dog is retrieving a ball or frisbee. It is an excellent game to increase the pursuit skills of dogs that naturally tend to chase. If your dog does not know how to chase and catch, start with a short distance and a small softball or frisbee and gradually move on to long distances and large toys.

6- Water games:

Dogs love to swim and play in the water, especially in summer. You can visit a nearby beach, and the dog will have a lot of fun swimming in shallow water and playing with the floating ball (don’t forget to wear a life jacket). If you find it difficult to visit a beach or if there is no beach nearby, you can also go to the swimming pool, because a dog will love to splash in the pool or bath. They will also chase toys in the water (make sure the toys float on the water).

7- Finding treats:

Finding treats is the game that dogs never get bored of. They will always enjoy finding treats. Because of their strong sniffing ability, they will always win this game. You have to let the dog sniff the treats and hide them in a secret place. You will be amazed that they will find all of them quickly.

You can also play this game by hiding treats in your hand and letting them guess. Or you can also hide 3 cups of treats in one of the cups and ask them to guess. If they guess correctly, you have to give them some food as a reward.

These games are a great source of enhancing their olfactory stimulation, which can also be used to find the lost things or thieves later.

(Tip: Chopped carrots have excellent odors unlike dog food or commercial dog treats)

8- Graves:

Dogs love to dig in the ground. You can use a small wooden box, dig it in the ground and ask your dog to find it. To make this game more interesting, you can put some of your dog's favorite toys in the box before you start digging. This will improve their sniffing ability as well as exercise. Another option is to let them sniff in a snuffle mat .

9- Hide and Seek:

The most basic game to play with your dog is hide and seek. You have to make sure that your dog does not follow you, find a hiding place, hide and call your dog's name. He will start looking for you using his sniffing ability; reward him for finding you.

10- Name games:

Teach your dog names of different things like his toys, some everyday objects, and his name. Ask him to bring the things you taught him earlier. When he brings the right thing, reward him.

One should know some tips and games before playing with the dog. These will help him understand the nature of his dog, and they will both adapt quickly.