Play nice! Appropriate ways to play with dogs

How do you play with a dog? Are you someone who likes to roll around on the floor with them, or perhaps you prefer a more hands-off game of fetch? Believe it or not, there is an etiquette when it comes to playing with dogs - we don’t mean you need to teach them to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, although that would make for a great TikTok - to make sure they’re reaping the benefits of play as well as having fun.

There are many things to do with your dog that can increase their mental stimulation, contribute to their well-being, and prevent unwanted or destructive behaviors. Firstly, let’s just take a moment to understand why and how we should play with dogs. 

The importance of play with dogs

Fun fact: Play is part of a dog’s training. Woohoo! As any training expert will tell you, dogs learn best when they’re having fun and being given treats AKA positive reinforcement. As well as providing mental stimulation, it also helps to develop pup social skills and understand what’s okay and what’s too rough or aggressive. If they misbehave, playtime is over. But, good behavior means an extra game of tug of war or fetch.

It’s also a great way to build a bond with your pup as a solo activity. While in group play dogs learn how to be around other doggos and form bonds with them too.

How do dogs like to play?

How do you play with a dog in a way you can both enjoy? Well, safety is always the most important thing here. You need to make sure you’re not encouraging aggressive or dangerous behavior that could hurt them, you, or other people in the future. Dogs like to be challenged - they’re smart animals who enjoy puzzles or lots of running around ending with a treat. This treat can be a tasty one, or it could be another game, attention, or introducing a new toy into the play session.

It’s okay for dogs to become overexcited during playtime, but make sure they learn how to calm down when it’s time to stop or go home. This is all part of their dog training which combines play with discipline.

The best things to do with your dog when playing

A game of tug of war

Tug toys are a great way to allow dogs to express their instincts. Although some pet parents worry it might encourage aggressive or controlling behaviors, if done properly it’s an excellent form of play and fun for dogs. The trick is to not overstimulate them and reward them when they let go of the rope toy when told to. Remember to be extra gentle with puppies and senior dogs whose teeth and gums won’t be as healthy as an adult.

Play a game of fetch

Nothing beats a good old-fashioned game of fetch! It’s a staple of dog play and one canine carer can do it in any type of environment. It can also be done with tennis balls or cheap, plastic chew toys. And most dogs love it! If you’re not in the mood for physical exertion, but your doggo is, an easy back and forth with fetch keeps them mentally happy and also well exercised.

An obstacle course

We’re not suggesting you go out and buy a whole Crufts arena for your pooch, nor are we saying you should let your pup jump from couch to counter. An obstacle course can mean taking them on a walk with varied terrain with different things to jump over or under. Woodland walks with fallen trees are a great example of a natural obstacle course that doggos love.

Play hide and seek

Dogs love using their sense of smell, so what better way to combine this with a game of hide and seek? You can set this up as an indoor game, as well as outdoor, and can be as simple as telling them to wait while you hide treats around the home, then telling them to ‘go find it’. Some pet parents even play hide and seek using themselves as the treat - see if your doggo can sniff you out while you hide under a blanket behind the couch.

Do you have some extra tips on how to properly play with dogs? Or are you looking for first-paw experience from other canine carers? Head to our Community Forum to connect with other pup parents or dog lovers to share your wisdom and spread the love of pets. Otherwise, check out our beginner's guide to puppy training for a quick round-up of tricks, tips, and treats for the newest member of your family.