Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.
Play provides them with the opportunity to exercise and also to form bonds with littermates. Where as for a dog that is being kept on his own, his owner will take on the role of a surrogate playmate.
Although young dogs are instinctively most playful, older dogs can be just as enthusiastic to play, right through into old age.
Playful Behavior.
Dogs have a very distinctive way of showing their desire to play, by so-called play-bowing.
The dog will literally bow down on his front legs, which are extended out flat in front of his body, with his body being curved at this stage. It is also quite common for him to start bark excitedly once or twice to attract attention. If he's approached, he is then likely to spring up and run off a short distance, before play-bowing again.
Throwing a ball will bring an immediate response, with him chasing after it and usually bringing it back, so that you can throw the ball again.
Research suggests that medium- sized and large dogs have more highly developed play instincts than their smaller breeds, and show greater eagerness to retrieve items thrown for them.
? Puppies that have recently been separated from their littermates will often chase their tails, or any other imaginary object, showing that they want to play with their owner.
? When dogs have stolen an object, they will learn to give a playful response with when told off.
? Playing is the ideal time to teach puppies' appropriate behavior ? stopping play if he jumps up at you, and rewarding him when he returns the toy he's playing with.
? Dogs who don't receive enough exercise will find games to play alone, resulting in biting and destructive behavior in the home.
Toys
A wide range of toys are now available for dogs, and it is important to match your dog to the right size of toy that you are choosing.
Balls that are too small can be swallowed.
Always supervise your dog when he's playing with squeaker toys, as he may succeed in removing the squeaker and swallowing it.
Interactive toys, such as balls and flying discs, are an ideal opportunity to exercise, stimulate and bond with your dog.
Dogs enjoy the opportunity to polish up on their predatory skills, enjoying any game that offers the chance to chase, pounce and wrestle their 'prey'.
Dogs will invent their own games too, using objects that they acquire around the home or in the garden, such as plastic flowerpots may be harder to figure out, but they may have been used during teething and give him a feeling of security.
Amy Howells is the owner of a website dedicated to teaching you the short-cuts to dog training.
You can also sign up to a free e-course and discover the astonishing short-cut secrets to dog training
green cleaning service Park Ridge ..A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
You know that cats should always have a supply of... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so... Read More
If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More
"Doggy breath" ? that unpleasant odor emanating from the mouths... Read More
Having a dog is a little like having a baby.... Read More
In compiling some information on achieving a proper fit to... Read More
Scientific Name: Botia macracanthus Other Scientific Name(s): Cobitis macracanthus, Botia... Read More
It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More
The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior... Read More
This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More
For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More
Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More
Even if you have the perfect first aid kit for... Read More
These days, it's hard to know what decisions are the... Read More
The trick of "sitting up" is easily taught to small... Read More
For Discus fish, there are 2 consideration in tanks -... Read More
Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More
It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More
Among the most well known cat lover gifts are photo... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More
So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into... Read More
cleaning help near Bannockburn ..Of all the parasites a dog can catch, worms take... Read More
Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
While dogs tend to get lots of exercise, cats are... Read More
Congratulations on your choice to bring home a West Highland... Read More
Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More
Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More
Looking for some quick Rottweiler dog facts? Here's a quick... Read More
One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
Are you thinking about getting some discus then and want... Read More
Canine Parvovirus, is a viral disease that attacks dogs and... Read More
If your kids have been begging you to get a... Read More
The numbers will make any pet lover blanch with disgust,... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
In compiling some information on achieving a proper fit to... Read More
"Magoo was a big, playful Labrador retriever who often got... Read More
There are lots of ways a horse can go lame.... Read More
Whether you intend to show your Westie, or keep him... Read More
As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More
Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a... Read More
Opening your heart to a Pomeranian can be fun, but... Read More
Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More
Training CollarsTraining collars are a tool many pet owners utilize... Read More
Obesity is one of the greatest health concerns facing dogs.... Read More
Pet |