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The Power of Play: Why Playing with Your Dog Matters (and How to Do It Well)
Play isn’t just fun for dogs—it’s essential. It helps them learn about the world, build social skills, strengthen bonds, and feel good in their bodies and minds. But not all play is created equal, and while it’s tempting to think “the more the better,” that’s not always the case. Let’s dig into why play matters, what it teaches dogs, and how to keep it healthy and helpful.
Why Play Matters for Dogs
Play gives dogs a chance to explore movement, communication, and emotion in a safe and engaging way. It’s part of how they learn bite inhibition, social signals, and the difference between “just kidding” and serious interactions. Puppies especially use play to figure out the world around them. Adult dogs play too—sometimes with just as much joy—but their needs and preferences might change over time.
It’s also a powerful bonding tool. Play releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin, helping dogs feel connected to their playmate—whether that’s another dog or you.
What Dogs Learn Through Play
Through play, dogs learn:
Communication skills: They practise offering play signals (like play bows), reading body language, and understanding when to pause or stop.
Impulse control: Especially during high-energy games, dogs learn to manage excitement and take breaks.
Confidence: Play allows shy or cautious dogs to experiment in a low-pressure environment.
Problem solving: Games like hide and seek or gentle tug help dogs engage their brains.
Matching Play Styles
Just like people, dogs have different play styles. Some love chase games, others prefer wrestling, some enjoy parallel play (doing their own thing nearby), and others like soft-mouth games with lots of stop-start signals.
When dogs play together, matching play styles is important. If one dog wants to wrestle and the other just wants to run, frustration can build. That’s when things can tip from playful to too much. Watching for mutual enjoyment, voluntary engagement, and regular pauses helps keep things balanced.
Appropriate Play Between Dogs
Signs of healthy play include:
Loose, wiggly body language
Role reversals (e.g. they take turns chasing)
Regular pauses to shake off or regroup
Play bows and bouncy movements
Consent—both dogs keep coming back for more
If you’re not sure whether play is still fun for both dogs, try a consent test: gently separate them for a moment. If they both want to go back to playing, great! If one hangs back, it’s time for a break.
Playing with Humans: It's Just as Important
Dogs need fun with their human, not just other dogs. Playing together strengthens your bond, builds trust, and lets you teach boundaries in a positive way.
You don’t have to wrestle on the floor (though if you and your dog love that, great!). It can play tug games, scent games, gentle chase games, training mixed with play is a great way to up your skills, or interactive toys. What matters most is that it’s enjoyable for both of you.
After Play: Why Downtime Matters
Play can be arousing, especially for younger or high-energy dogs. Afterward, give your dog a chance to decompress with a sniffy walk, scatter feeding, a chew, or some calm cuddles.
Without a proper cooldown, that excitement can spill over into restlessness, barking, or even nipping. Helping your dog regulate after fun is just as important as the play itself.
Can You Play Too Much?
Yes. Play is wonderful—but like anything, too much of it can backfire. If dogs get overstimulated or don’t learn how to pause, they might struggle with settling, frustration, or even rough behaviour during interactions. They may turn into that dog that scrambles on their back legs to access other dogs, or bark in their head off when access is thwarted.
Balance play with rest, calm time, and low-energy enrichment. It’s not about constant entertainment—it’s about quality connection.
Dogs Need Fun With You, Not Just Others
Some dogs love playing with other dogs, and that’s great. But that can’t replace the relationship they have with you. If a dog is always seeking fun from other dogs and not finding any with their person, they might become overly dog-focused or struggle to listen when out and about and just wants to engage with the dog over the other side of the park.
Building fun into your relationship helps keep you relevant, interesting, and connected. And that’s what really makes for a strong, trusting bond.
In a Nutshell
Play is an incredible part of a dog’s life—it teaches, connects, and brings joy. But the how and when matter. Keep an eye on arousal levels, match play styles, support pauses, and make time for calm afterwards. Most of all, remember that you’re a vital part of your dog’s world—and play is one of the best ways to keep that world happy and healthy.
Want help finding games that suit your dog’s style? Or need ideas for calm-down activities after a play session? I’d love to help.
