How to Play With a Dog

Dogs love to play so much that cities build parks just for dogs! Dogs look for other dogs to play with and this often leads to owners meeting other owners who like play just as hard with their dogs. Take the dog for a run along the lakefront and just see what kinds of new friends enter your life.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Teaching a dog tricks like fetch and rollover take time and practice by the owner and the dog. Don't get stressed out if Spot does not understand quickly, just take the time to play instead.

2. Throw things for the dog to chase. Wave a stick, ball, or apple in front of the dog to get him excited. Throw the item and an interested Rover will chase the item, eventually learning to retrieve it.

3. Play with the dog in water when it's hot out. Go into the water gradually with her so she is not scared.

4. Throw sticks into water for a dog to retrieve. Many dogs love to play in the water.

5. Play chase. Be careful what breed of dog is playing chase as some can look at it as aggressive behavior instead of mere play. If the dog likes to chase, they will chase a person in turn like another dog.

6. Let the dog run loose in the park, if allowed, or at home in the yard. Dogs have lots of energy and have the ability to play and amuse themselves as well.

7. Buy a dog toy at the pet store to play catch with or as a chew toy. Choose a toy that is suitable for the dog’s size and cannot be eaten or chewed to bits.

8. Hook up a big dog that likes to pull to a harness and wagon. Take the kids for a walk around the block in the back of the wagon and watch the proud dog strut his stuff.

9. Take a bird dog hunting or a beagle rabbit hunting so owner and dog can play together. The smell of the owner's hunting clothes excites these dogs as the hunter prepares to go out.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with a dog's owner before playing with a dog. Do not play with a dog you do not know.
• Be aware of the breed of dog you are playing with. Some dog breeds are very aggressive and can misinterpret certain gestures or behaviors.

[sherryeam]

on 2/19/2009 dogs are so fun. A good thing to is to learn their body language. How they go down on their front legs to say they want to play. That sort of thing.