Let’s cut to the chase – your dog needs to play like you need a good night’s sleep. Without it, they can become restless, unfulfilled, and might develop unwanted behaviours. Here’s why play isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity:
Physical Health
Regular play provides essential exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and strong muscles. It’s nature’s way of keeping your dog fit and energized (and less likely to redecorate the house)
Brain Power
Mental stimulation through play prevents boredom and keeps their mind sharp. Just like humans need to exercise their brains, dogs need mental challenges to stay engaged and well-behaved and prevents boredom-induced mischief.
Social Skills
Play is crucial for developing and maintaining proper social behaviors. It teaches dogs how to interact appropriately with other dogs and humans, building essential communication skills.
Stress Management
In our busy modern world, dogs need healthy outlets for stress relief. Play provides a natural way to reduce anxiety and tension, which is so much better than chewing on your favourite shoes.
Self-Confidence
Through play, dogs learn to navigate new situations and overcome challenges. This builds their confidence and resilience, making them more adaptable companions.
Remember, a well-played-with dog is typically a well-behaved dog. When we understand play as a fundamental need rather than just a fun activity, we can better support our four-legged friends’ overall wellbeing.
Morag is the owner and founder of York Regions most trusted premier in-home pet care and dog walking companies. In 2000 she saw a need for an alternative to kennels, catteries for family pets in the area and has always believed that pets are much happier and less stressed staying in their own familiar environment. Morag and her team are all certified in Pet 1st Aid and CPR, she also offers continuous training to her team members through online and hands on pet care and pet behaviour and care courses. Morag has earned her certificate in Professional Pet Sitting, Professional Dog Walking and Canine Attendant training. She has lived in the Newmarket/Aurora area since 1991 is a wife, a mother of 2 adult children and a grandmother of 2 delightful little balls of energy. She has also been owned by fish, birds, mice, rats, cats, dogs, gerbils and guinea pigs and is an advocate for all living creatures. In her spare time she likes to be involved in her community and events travelling, reading and cooking. Learn More About Morag.
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