We all know that playing with dogs is fun, but what we don’t often talk about is how important it is to their overall well-being. Play provides cognitive, physical and social benefits for dogs – and it’s a great way to relieve stress. Here’s 5 reasons why play is important for dogs.
Tip: Have a look at some awesome toys to get playing with your dog today!
Play Provides Physical Exercise
We’ve all heard that a good dog is a tired dog, and there’s certainly some truth to that. Dogs need physical exercise each day, and if those needs aren’t met they can get into trouble by developing destructive habits (such as excessive chewing) to pass the time. If you’re having trouble giving your dog enough exercise each day you can supplement their routine with some playtime at home.
Play is a relatively easy way to fit in some more physical exercise for your dog each day. Games like tug, fetch and frisbee are physically tiring for dogs, and by adding in a few quick play sessions each day you’ll create a routine that provides your dog with plenty of exercise.
Play Strengthens The Bond With Your Dog
One of the best ways to strengthen the bond you have with your dog is to spend quality time together – and playing together is a great example. Not many mammals play well into adulthood, but humans and dogs do. And that playfulness trait that we share with our dogs is part of what makes the relationships we have with them so special; it’s hard not to form a deep bond when you can play and have fun together.
Researchers believe that playfulness in dogs was a trait that was selected during domestication, and that it’s one of the big factors when it comes to forming emotionally based bonds with our dogs. So if you’re looking for a relatively simple (and fun) way to strengthen the bond you have with your dog add in some more playtime.
Play Provides Mental Stimulation
Another reason why play is important for dogs is that it provides mental exercise. Mentally stimulating activities (often referred to as brain games) are a fun way to enrich our dogs lives by giving them something meaningful to do. In addition to physical exercise I like adding in a few quick mentally stimulating games into my dogs daily routine. And because these activities alleviate boredom they decrease the likelihood of our dogs developing behavioral issues such as excessive barking or chewing.
Some of my favorite brain games for dogs include nose work games, puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and stuffed Kongs. They’re easy to play, and best of all they’re a simple way to keep dogs focused, active and entertained throughout the day.
It’s a Fun Way to Train (and Improve Manners)
Playing with dogs is fun, but it’s also a great way to work on some basic training and improving manners. Playtime is one of the ways puppies start learning basic manners right from the beginning; if they play too rough they’ll likely get a nip from their littermate or mother, or they might stop the game altogether.
So how can we continue that trend of using play to help train our dogs? By engaging in interactive games with our dogs. Take the tug of war game for example; it’s a fun game by itself, but it also helps teach your dog how to control their impulses aka how to be gentle when it comes to using their mouth. Our dogs are always observing us, so when we engage in play they’re learning social cues from us.
Play Relieves Boredom
One of the biggest benefits of play for dogs is that it relieves boredom and keeps them busy. It can be a challenge to keep our dogs occupied all day, and when dogs get bored they’ll come up with their own ways to entertain themselves — and that often involves undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking.
By playing with your dog a few times a day you can decrease the likelihood of them developing destructive habits. When you add in some more playtime to your dog’s routine you’re giving them something meaningful to do, and preventing them from having to come up with ways to entertain themselves that might involve chewing up your shoes.
Limited outdoor space?
In addition to the many ways dogs enjoy playtime, ensuring their well-being also involves providing them with a comfortable and convenient space for their potty needs. That's where DoggieLawn comes into play. These innovative real grass potty pads offer a fantastic solution for pet parents living in urban areas or those with limited outdoor access.
DoggieLawn provides a designated spot for your furry friend to do their business while offering the texture and feel of real grass, making it a more pleasant and familiar experience for your canine companion.
By incorporating DoggieLawn into your routine, you'll not only support your pet's hygiene but also promote a more stress-free and playful environment for them to thrive.