Playing with your dog is a meaningful thing. Sure, it’s a fun way to burn energy and a great chance to strengthen your bond, but it’s also a chance to modify your dog’s behavior. Puppies play in the litter to determine their standing and to learn social skills. We can accomplish the same thing by engaging in play with our dogs.
Playing catch and fetch is a great way to train, but here I’m talking about engaging your dog in play at their level, on the ground doing a bit of wrestling or hand play. There’s nothing wrong with this type of play if done correctly.
Be Gentle
First of all, we should play with our dogs as a parent plays with their child. All too often I see people wanting to tussle with their dog and engage in play that borders on teasing.
This is not the time to bully your dog or to play rough to sharpen their edge. Make the play fun and gentle. You can be active and even rough house a little bit, but rough house gently. Don’t pinch or grab your dog’s feet or pester your dog in the name of play. Think instead of fun hand motions and fun sounds to engage your dog.
Catch Your Breath
The action does not have to get too carried away. If you get the chance to watch well-behaved dogs at play, they will play for a few seconds, then stop and separate or maybe look away from each other. 
They are using this time to calm down and let the situation calm down by letting each other relax. Soon they will be right back at play and they will repeat the process over and over.
There is a right time for play: it is when the dog is feeling in control of itself. For this reason you would not engage a fearful dog, or a dog who’s a known biter. Those dogs need to be taught some skills before they can engage in play with you. And at no time should you let your dog show any kind of dominance over you or aggression toward you.
If the dog starts to get carried away, or starts to get mad or frustrated, take a hint from the dogs we mentioned above and take a break and let your dog calm down.
Also, end the play session before your dog becomes exhausted. We want to end the session while the dog is still excited so that they feel good and will be excited to play again. ‘Leave ’em wanting more,’ as they say.
More Tips for Playing with your dog
Biting
Dogs will be excited during play and may be too hard with their teeth. Play time is a perfect chance to practice bite inhibition, a skill in which the dog controls the force of their bite. This especially needs to be practiced with dogs who have not had the chance to learn bite modulation with a mother or littermates.
Impulse Control
Your dog will be tempted to jump at the toy, bark, or otherwise act out of excitement. Use this as a training moment to teach your dog that they only get the toy if they keep calm.
Conclusion
Your dog loves to play and he or she loves you. Playtime is a win-win that adds enrichment to your dog’s day and strengthens your bond. Playtime also gives you an opportunity to strengthen your position as your pet’s leader and to provide feedback on unacceptable behavior.
Related articles:
Don’t Let Your Dog Cause Trouble
Signs Your Dog Needs More Exercise
Additional Resources:
Blue Cross | How To Play With Your Dog
Purina | Games to Play With Your Dog
K9 of Mine | Best Games to Play With Your Dog: The Ultimate Guide!
