Do you love pampering and playing with your pet? We know you do, and all the other pet lovers out there enjoy this a lot. It excites the pup, as well as their parents. But, did you know that beyond just having fun, there are many other benefits of spending playful time with your dog? Dog’s playing time is vital for the well-being and overall development of your cute companion. Pets feel more active and healthy when they engage in dog games on a regular basis.

That’s why in this blog we will be discussing the benefits of having playtime with dogs that every pet parent must know. 

It keeps your dog mentally stimulated

Along with keeping your pet physically healthy, adding games like dog run games or dog bone race also keeps them mentally active and makes their mind sharp. Pet parents can promote good mental health and improve problem-solving skills in their dogs by playing games such as puzzle feeders, hide and seek, etc.

It helps dogs stay strong and healthy

Physical activity, such as a dog playing with ball or frisbee, is considered a cardiovascular workout that promotes good health in dogs. Moreover, having an outdoor dog play area and outdoor dog play equipment helps in their overall physical growth. Games such as tug-of-war and Dog race games help in building strength. Such games are essential for improving strength, stamina, balance and keeping the dog's joints and muscles healthy.

It helps dogs in becoming socialised

Playing time with your pet can also improve their social skills. Meeting other pets in the park and interacting with people can sharpen their brains and improve their memory. The more your dog will interact with people and other dogs, the more familiar they will become.

It helps dogs to get emotionally adjusted

Along with promoting social interaction and boosting the mood, playtime also eliminates boredom. This is fruitful for pets because a lot of monotony can become a reason for destructive behaviour or unruliness like getting into garbage or chewing up household items. So, it is important to incorporate a variety of entertainment in your pet’s life to make it interesting. You can do this by setting a playtime for your dog and playing with new dog toys.

It strengthens your bond

One of the best things about playtime with your pet is it strengthens your bond and creates a joyful environment. It helps them to get engaged with you and gives them a routine and idea that you are a source of comfort and happiness for your pet. Ultimately this speeds up the process of developing a healthy bond.

Just think of it in a way, how does it feel when you have nothing to do all day? Boring isn’t it. This is what a dog feels when he has to keep quiet all day in his house, a bored dog is a destructive dog. That’s why it is very important to provide mental stimulation to your dog’s mind for their cognitive health. Here are the other reasons why mental stimulation is important.

Cognitive Function:

Engaging in games for dogs helps in keeping the mind sharp. It not only keeps them engaged but also keeps on challenging their mind to work actively. Games like Puzzle toys, hide-and-seek, and even teaching new tricks stimulate their brains and prevent cognitive decline.

Stress Reduction: 

Whenever your dog engages in physical activities, their brains release endorphins, which gives them a calming effect. If your dog is having stress, it will help them to relieve stress and anxiety.

Bonding

If you have a dog, then it is very important to make a bond. Spending time that involves physical activity or teaching new tricks will help in strengthening the bond between you and your dog. The best way to build a connection and trust with your dog.

Problem Solving Skills:

Play dog toys forces your dog to think. It keeps your dog's mind active and engaged. Teaching your dog problem-solving technique will maintain their curiosity level and will keep their attention level apt.

Now as you have learned the importance of playtime for dogs, you must be wondering about the ways in which you can engage your dog in physical activities. If so, then worry not, we have brought you the best ideas through which you can create a practical playtime experience.

Fetch: A classical yet effective way to keep your dog active. It's great cardio and helps burn energy. You can use a variety of toys for dogs to play with, like balls, frisbees, or even a rope toy.

Hide-and-Seek: Consider it as one of the most interesting games for dogs. You can hide treats or toys around the house and ask your dog to use their smelling power to find them. It can be an excellent mental as well as physical stimulation.

Puzzle Toys: If you want your dog not to get irritated due to boredom, then puzzle toys are the best way to keep them engaged. You can let your dog solve a puzzle, and on every completion, you can give them an achievement treat.

Training Games: Use playtime to train your dogs. If you plan a training program apart from playtime, it can be boring for your dog, but if you integrate training into playtime, it will be an easy task for you to teach them new tricks or commands using positive reinforcement.

Interactive Toys: There are many different toys in the market which are designed to be interactive. Using interactive toys can help your dog to be engaged all the time even if you are not there.

Dog Race Games: Setting up a small obstacle course or a simple race in your backyard can be a fun way to get your dog moving.

Now, as you have get the idea about different games ideas, it is now time to create a playtime routine for your dog. Creating a routine will create a habit of engaging in physical activities and will keep your dog’s activities organised.

• Morning routine

You can start your day with morning, taking your dog outside for a run or walk or taking them in park will be a perfect way to start your dog’ day. Creating a routine in morning will keep your dog active for whole day and it will make a routine for them to wake up early.

• Afternoon Play

You can choose afternoon play when you don’t want your dog to step out of the house regularly. Making a afternoon routine will help you to engage with your dog and also the best way to provide a break for you between work.

• Evening Play

A short and quick playtime session before bed can be the best for your dog. It will remove boredom and will also stimulate your dog’s appetite. If your dog is lazy to play in mornings, you can opt evening playtimes.

Funtime is fun until and unless your dog is safe. No one wants their dog to get hurt or injured while playing. So, that is why safety is very important while performing physical activities. Here are the ways in which you can keep your dog safe.

Choose Appropriate Toys: Select toys that are appropriate for your dog's size and breed. Avoid small toys that can be swallowed. Also, don’t give them toys which are made up of harmful materials as most of the dogs chew their toys while playing.

Supervise Playtime: Always supervise your dog during playtime to prevent accidents. Be with them or always let them roam in safe environment. If you are taking your dog outside, always try to use dog leash or dog collar to keep them in control.

Know Your Dog's Limits: Don't push your dog too hard, especially in hot weather. Your dog will involve in physical activities only when he is interested.

Provide Water: Always ensure that your dog is hydrated. Always keep a water bowl beside them or in different corner of the house so that they have easy access to water. Ensure your dog has access to fresh water during and after playtime in outdoors also. 

Hope these topics will help you in understanding the importance of playtime with your pet. So no matter how busy your schedule is, make sure to take out some time for your pet and create some new memories with them. To know more health benefits of regular playing with your pet, you can book a consultation with a pet behaviour expert at Supertails+ . Our vets will help you in getting all your questions answered and tell you what is best for your pet.