The Benefits of Doggy Playtime
We all lead such busy lives that it can be tempting to skip playtime with your dog and opt to cuddle on the couch instead. But our canine companions actually need playtime both for it's physical and it's psychological benefits. Here are a few of the reasons why puppy and adult dog playtime is crucial to your pup's well-being.
1. Exercise
The first, and likely most obvious, benefit of playtime is exercise. Your dog needs to stay as fit as they can by running, jumping, prancing, and tugging.
Playtime is essential for building strength and keeping your dog's joints moving smoothly throughout their lifetime. As your pet ages, however, exercise becomes even more important as a way to maintain a healthy weight and avoid increasing their risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. Carrying extra weight can be a serious threat to your dog's health and vitality.
2. Bonding
Playtime is the ideal time for fostering a strong bond with your dog. These joyful times together allow you to focus on your relationship without distractions (like work). And trust us, your dog will appreciate the attention and love you provide.
It's also an opportunity to get to know your new puppy or to show your older dog that you'll always be best buds.
3. Better Behavior
Bored dogs often focus on fun, or mischievous, antics. Sadly, this can lead to a negative perception of them as "bad dogs".
A tired dog is a good dog. If you want to maintain good behavior, keep your four-legged friend occupied with regular play sessions and plenty of toys that provide them with mental stimulation as well as fun. By focusing on fun and enjoyment with you at various points throughout the day, your new puppy, or adult dog, won't have to work as hard to stay on their best behavior when you are busy with other things.
And you should always remember that even if they behave in ways you don't appreciate, it doesn't mean they're bad.
4. Mental Stimulation
Playtime is an important time for dogs to learn about the world and strengthen their brains. Encouraging different types of play in different types of environments and with different playmates helps them maintain sharp reflexes, reaction times, and memories.
Admittedly, as puppies grow, their need for mental stimulation changes. But playing may help prevent cognitive decline in adult and senior dogs.
A stimulating toy with a hidden treat or unpredictable bounce is ideal for keeping your dog excited and engaged and provides a unique and enjoyable experience. Other activities can include teaching your dog scent tracking or playing hide and seek using their favorite toy.
5. Socialization
Playtime with friends is as beneficial for our four-legged family members as it is for children. This is because just like us, dogs need to learn and improve their social skills through regular interactions with other dogs and people outside their immediate family.
Start while they are young to avoid poor doggy social skills later in life. Remember, socialization is crucial for dogs of all ages, and isolation can negatively impact their health and happiness.
doggy playtime outside of the home, in dog-friendly places, can enhance this fun time together and your dog's overall well-being.
How to Tell Playtime From Aggression
doggy play sessions can become intense when dogs have arguments. For many pet parents, it's difficult to interpret the snarls, growls, bared teeth, and body slams that characterize both behaviors.
As long as both dogs are well-socialized, let their body language guide you, and you'll feel confident in deciding whether to intervene and break up the wrestling match.
Signs that your dog is indeed playing are:
- The play bow
- Heavy panting
- Exposing their belly
Signs that a dog is behaving aggressively include:
- Rigid posture
- Sharp, sudden, focused movements as if indicating attack moves
- Deepening, intensifying growls that become louder
- Hair standing up on the back of the neck
When You Just Can't Find Time in Your Day to Play
We all feel overwhelmed from time to time, unable to fit even one more small thing into our busy schedules. doggy daycare was made for days like these! Taking your pup to a reputable dog daycare can provide your four-legged family member with all the physical and mental stimulation they need to feel contented at the end of the day. These programs provide ample supervised playtime with other dogs, allowing your pup to build on their social skills while having fun.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.