What is MY Dog’s Play Style?
Do you know your dog actually has a play style? Your dog absolutely has a preferred manner of play. What does this mean?
I have learned through years of observing dogs and their natural play, there are three primary forms of play for our friends. Often I hear from people something like, “I have all of these wonderful toys for my dog and he/she never really seems to play with them.” Or maybe it sounds something like this, “I take my dog to the dog park to play with other dogs and she doesn’t seem too interested in playing with the dogs but is all over loving on the people in the park.” Or maybe you’ve observed that your dog is always picking up toys and carrying them around, squeaking them or tossing a ball your way encouraging you to come play. How can this be? Don’t all dogs like to play with other dogs? Don’t all dogs enjoy a good game of fetch? Isn’t snuggle time important to all dogs? NO is the answer to all of these questions.
Each dog has its own personality and its own preferred manner of playing. If your dog prefers to play with people you will know it because you will be involved in lots of games and your dog will seek your attention. Let’s say your dog is one who prefers to play with toys as their primary choice. You may find yourself ancillary to the toys because you make them fly or you hide them. But overall, your dog will seek to play with toys over anything else. If your dog is a dog who really prefers to play with other dogs then very likely you will find yourself seeking fun dog parks or dropping off regularly at doggy daycare.
Now let me say that all of the different dogs can and will usually have a good time at the parks and certainly doggy daycare if there are people to play with them and toys and balls to play with. If there are people there to play then your dog who prefers to play with people will be more than satisfied. If your dog prefers to play with toys and balls then they will have a rockin’ good time running and playing ball all day. Lastly if your dog prefers to run and chase with other dogs, then the good parks and daycares will be just right for this guy or girl.
The most important thing for you to do is to learn about your individual dog and put aside your desires for how to wile away the time together. Best to plan to go with your dog’s natural inclinations as far as play and simply enjoy your time together.
