DOGS PLAYING IN WATER

THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAYING WITH YOUR DOG
If you’ve had your dog since they were a puppy, you likely witnessed an important part of their development: play. Puppies use play to learn about the world around them. They explore the world with their mouths as they teeth and chew. Puppies also learn about boundaries and socializing as they wrestle, tug, and nip. During this phase, puppies learn bite inhibition from their playmates. As they sink those milk teeth into another puppy (or unwitting momma dog) and their fellow dog: cries out, discontinues play, or reprimands them, they learn that biting too hard is not fun.
Many theorists believe that play between puppies and play between puppies and adult dogs are the first steps in learning pack mentality and pack coordination. Learning how to operate within the pack keeps all the dogs safer, allows them to hunt more effectively, and makes raising new generations easier.
In fact, studies show that, paws-down, dogs much prefer playing with their owners than independently. What can your dog get out of some playtime with you?

1. PLAYTIME STRENGTHENS THE HUMAN-DOG BOND
Just as playtime for puppies teaches them about relationships and socialization, having a bit of fun with your dog shows them that you care. Playing gives your dog one-on-one undivided attention, which helps them feel like a special part of your life.

2. PLAYING GIVES YOUR DOG A MUCH-NEEDED ENERGY RELEASE
Our dogs spend a great deal of the day indoors, often sleeping. Getting up and active allows them to burn off excess energy. This is the same pent-up energy that can lead to negative or destructive behaviors,

3. DOGS ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN FROM PLAYING
When your dog plays, they activate all of their senses. This helps the brain continue to develop. Those puppy-like lessons about textures, coordination, and socialization never end.

4. PLAY IMPROVES YOUR DOG’S MENTAL WELLNESS
When your dog plays, their brain releases positive endorphins that create joy and happiness. Engaging in games has proven to slow the progression of Canine Cognitive Decline and improve the symptoms of CCD.

5. PLAYING HELPS BUILD YOUR DOG’S CONFIDENCE
Because playtime strengthens your dog’s prefrontal cortex (the area of the brain that helps them make decisions and exercise restraint), dogs that play more often experience a greater sense of confidence. Playtime helps your dog exercise their ability to make wise decisions which extends beyond just play. When your dog wants to play with a canine pal, they can approach their playmate with greater certainty that they know what they’re doing.
Encouraging Your Dog to Play

• Muffin Tray Madness: Using a muffin tray, hide small pieces of a high-value treat like Beef Gullet Stick Bites beneath tennis balls. Your dog will have a blast pulling the balls off to find a tasty reward hidden beneath.
• Create a Snuffle Box: Using a cardboard box, hide a treat or two at the bottom of layers of towels, blankets, and pillows. Then watch as your dog pulls layer after layer from the box, rooting, and snorting around until they find their prize.
• Treat Hide-n-Seek: Exercising your dog’s nose can be highly beneficial. While your dog is out of the room, hide little tidbits of treats here and there. Then let your dog in and let them sniff out the flavor and fun.

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