The Wonder of Dogs 9-27
Playing games throughout the ages
Everyone knows that young dogs just want to have fun. Puppies chase and pull and jump and run. They practice stalking imaginary bunnies, chasing balls and sticks, and killing their squeaky toys in preparation for adulthood when instinct kicks in big time and these games turn into survival skills.
Owners are often surprised when their mature dogs cease to play the same way they did as pups and adolescents.
Some dogs play vigorously throughout their entire lives. Others develop preferences for certain games.
This is often dependent on the nature of the dog. That is, scent hounds like beagles and bloodhounds love to follow trails while terriers may prefer tug-of-war. It’s important to remember that individual dogs have their own likes and dislikes, which may be contrary to what we think they should like.
Not all dogs like all things.
Still, other dogs simply stop playing. Similar to those adult humans who consider games and sports are best for the young, these dogs become uninterested in playing with toys, fetching or playing tug.
Often they can display interest in “games” that resemble the real deal like chasing, running agility or participating in other dog sports. Some otherwise physically and emotionally healthy dogs seem to prefer a life of leisure rather than participating in anything that resembles work.
Timid or fearful dogs may be afraid to play, especially in public. Of course, if a dog that has always enjoyed playing suddenly loses interest in physical activity, a veterinary checkup is in order. Stress is counterproductive to play.
The joy dogs exhibit when playing with gay abandon makes us laugh and perhaps long for that wonderful feeling of freedom for ourselves.
Make sure your dog is in good weight, healthy and stress free and then just let the games begin!
Barbara Kahn is the training director at WonderDogs, Inc. E-mail her, with “Trend” in the subject line, at barb@wonderdogs.com, call 856-767-6464 or visit www.wonderdogs.com.
Owners are often surprised when their mature dogs cease to play the same way they did as pups and adolescents.
Some dogs play vigorously throughout their entire lives. Others develop preferences for certain games.
This is often dependent on the nature of the dog. That is, scent hounds like beagles and bloodhounds love to follow trails while terriers may prefer tug-of-war. It’s important to remember that individual dogs have their own likes and dislikes, which may be contrary to what we think they should like.
Not all dogs like all things.
Still, other dogs simply stop playing. Similar to those adult humans who consider games and sports are best for the young, these dogs become uninterested in playing with toys, fetching or playing tug.
Often they can display interest in “games” that resemble the real deal like chasing, running agility or participating in other dog sports. Some otherwise physically and emotionally healthy dogs seem to prefer a life of leisure rather than participating in anything that resembles work.
Timid or fearful dogs may be afraid to play, especially in public. Of course, if a dog that has always enjoyed playing suddenly loses interest in physical activity, a veterinary checkup is in order. Stress is counterproductive to play.
The joy dogs exhibit when playing with gay abandon makes us laugh and perhaps long for that wonderful feeling of freedom for ourselves.
Make sure your dog is in good weight, healthy and stress free and then just let the games begin!
Barbara Kahn is the training director at WonderDogs, Inc. E-mail her, with “Trend” in the subject line, at barb@wonderdogs.com, call 856-767-6464 or visit www.wonderdogs.com.
