Powerful Play.
Why It Matters for Your Dog's Wellbeing
As an ethical dog trainer, I get asked all the time: “How important is play for my dog?” The short answer? Incredibly. Play isn’t just a bit of fun it’s vital for your dog’s emotional, physical, and social wellbeing. It builds confidence, deepens relationships, and gives dogs a healthy outlet for energy. And it’s not just about chasing a ball in the garden. Let’s break down what play really means for dogs and why it matters so much.
Dog-to-Dog Play: Let’s Talk Social Skills
When dogs play with other dogs, they’re not just burning off steam, they're practicing communication and learning how to interact appropriately. A lot of this comes down to body language.
One of the clearest signs of good play is the play bow when a dog lowers their front end while keeping their back end up. It’s a polite way of saying, “I’m just playing!” and sets the tone for friendly interaction.
Compatible play is key. Some dogs love to wrestle, others prefer chase games. Matching play styles helps prevent misunderstandings and conflict. A large, bouncy dog might overwhelm a shy or much smaller dog, even with the best intentions. It’s our job to monitor and ensure everyone’s comfortable.
Breaks in play are also a good sign. Healthy play often has natural pauses moments where dogs shake off, look around, or just take a breather. If one dog is trying to walk away and the other keeps pestering, that’s not play anymore. Interrupt, redirect, and give everyone space if needed.
Play With People: Building Connection
Play isn’t just for dogs to enjoy with each other it’s a huge part of how we bond with them, too. Play strengthens trust and reinforces the idea that you’re a fun, safe, and reliable part of their world. Plus, it’s a great way to reinforce training without it feeling like “work.”
Here are some popular types of toys and how they can be used be mindful that your dog may have preferences of toy type:
Soft toys: Great for comfort, carrying, or gentle games of fetch. Some dogs enjoy a good shake of a toy or to dissect, this is all part of practicing predatory behaviours-not your dog being intentionally naughty or destructive. Keep an eye on dogs that like to de-stuff, and make sure they’re not ingesting fabric or squeakers.
Squeaky toys: These tap into predatory instincts too, and can be super exciting. For some dogs, they’re motivating; for others, they can push arousal too high, so monitor how your dog responds. take the squeaker out if needed.
Tug toys: Tug can be fantastic for building impulse control and connection. You can let your dog win, it’s not a dominance issue. In fact, letting them win builds confidence and makes the game more rewarding. Just set rules like “we start when I say,” and you can also teach a reliable release cue. Some toys can also be used on walk for recall and focus on you.
Managing Arousal: The Come-Down Matters
After a good play session especially one involving high-energy tug or intense dog-dog play, it’s important to help your dog wind down. Some dogs struggle to switch off, and that’s where calming activities come in.
Food searches (scatter feeding): Toss some of your dog’s kibble or treats into the grass and let them sniff it out. Sniffing lowers heart rate and helps shift them into a calmer state.
Long-lasting chews: Natural chews like beef tendons, dried fish skins, or safe raw bones (supervised) can help dogs decompress. Chewing is a self-soothing activity that helps lower arousal levels.
Lick mats or stuffed Kongs: Licking has a calming effect, and these tools are great for settling your dog after exciting play.
In Summary
Play is not a luxury, it’s a need. It teaches social skills, builds your bond, burns energy, and gives dogs joy. But like anything, it should be approached thoughtfully. Choose playmates wisely, match energy levels, supervise interactions, and help your dog relax after the fun. By doing so, you’re really supporting them not just physically, but emotionally and mentally too.
And best of all? You’re making their world feel safe, joyful, and full of connection.
