Is your dog crazy? Is your dog making you crazy? Are you getting nipped? Jumped on? Are you seeing destructive chewing? Chances are at least part of your problem is excess energy.
Play is a wonderful tool for burning off some of that energy. Done right, play requires your dog to think and gives him a chance to exercise some of his built-in behaviors such as fetching, tracking and tugging. This is much more effective than a walk. Walks are not bad, and a chance to check out new or at least different places is good for your dog, but they are rarely enough exercise. Mixing in some play can do wonders to “take the edge off.”
I put together a video of some play with my three dogs. It’s on the long side, but I think it’s worth watching all the way through. Watch for:
- My throws are high and usually in the bushes. The extra work of finding the ball is part of the game!
- I mix in some obedience, but I’m trying to have fun too and cut them some slack.
- Each dog is different. I adjust the play to their style and their level.
Buddha wants to be chased and would rather drop the ball in front of me. (A year ago he wouldn’t play with a ball…we’re getting there.) Gage can’t run too much because of his arthritis and thinks that me walking circles around him is the best game in the world. Caffeine wants to do everything (at once if possible.)
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Just came in from playing with my dogs! All five are now pooped and cooling down before breakfast. Great post, Eric! Everyone should play more with their dogs – “people and dogs who play together, stay together”!
I’m jealous! I wish I was able to get some playtime in on a weekday morning instead of waiting until the evening!
“The family that plays together stays together!”