Playing with your dog

Play is a controversial topic among dog trainers. I've heard everything from "You MUST play with your dog." to "You should NEVER play with your dog."

So how does the average pet owner figure out what to do? Ask why.

Why MUST you play with your dog?

For play-motivated, particularly high-energy dogs, play can provide an intensity of BOTH mental and physical stimulation. This type of stimulation is required for mental health and well-being (i.e., preventing problem behaviors).

However, if your dog shows absolutely no interest in playing with you, FORCING is opposite of playing! You literally cannot compel a dog to play with you.

You can, however, train for play behaviors. This is occasionally needed among undersocialized adolescents (typically strays or otherwise deprived of typical "pet" puppyhood experiences). You may find that things suddenly click, and the dog has the confidence to playfully assert his wishes and the trust that you will not eat him when he shows interest in your toy.


Why should you NEVER play with your dog?

Play can be intensely rewarding. Which is a great thing if you are carefully rewarding only desirable behaviors.

BUT, just like on a children's playground, each session has its own unique set of rules -- which can come into dispute. There is nice play, and there is mean play. On both sides of the toy.

So antagonizing a dog, teasing, bullying, or just otherwise doing things that are unwelcome FOLLOWED by continued play? You are telling your dog,"Yes, I want you angry, tense, and strung out." You can be rewarding aggressive behaviors.

Additionally, the bullying can come from the other side of the toy: your dog. If your dog makes all the rules, telling you when, where, and how to play? Rewarding this is saying, "Yes, you are the leader here."

The key is the same as above: just as you can't force a dog to play, a dog can't force you to play! You set the terms and conditions (which should be fair) and if they are not met? Game over!

It is important to recognize that different dogs tend to have different definitions of "winning", "losing", "game on/off", "fair", "waxing/waning interest", etc. I find there are some signature preferences among Shepherd-type dogs as compared to bull-and-terrier breeds.