Some dogs are natural toy enthusiasts. Take Cuba, for example, he adores playing with all sorts of toys. This inclination may stem from his early exposure to various toys and regular playtime since he was brought home. On the contrary, Mokie, a Chow breed, never showed much interest in toys, as Chows aren’t typically known for their love of playthings. Similarly, Monte, my dear Saint, was clueless about toys initially, having spent his formative months tied up outside.
However, Mokie now eagerly fetches and tugs toys. She excels at water retrieval, happily chasing sticks into the water for prolonged periods. Even Monte, before we lost him, enjoyed tug-of-war sessions and engaged with a variety of puzzle toys. And then there’s Cuba, who seems to enjoy playing with anything he finds, be it a gardening glove or a mop head.
In the past, there was a notion that if a dog didn’t like a certain activity, there was nothing to be done about it, and one should just find a new dog with the desired preferences. Fortunately, this perspective is changing. We’ve witnessed incredible dogs in action – assisting individuals with disabilities, performing impressive tricks, aiding in law enforcement activities, and more. Remember, these dogs weren’t born knowing these skills; they were trained extensively. If we can train dogs for such complex tasks, we can surely teach a dog to enjoy play too.
Positive reinforcement trainers often hear the question, “When can we stop using treats?” You can transition away from treats sooner by building value in other activities, which may sometimes involve using treats that are already rewarding for dogs. It’s possible to teach various types of play, such as tugging, fetching, playing with toys like Kongs, enjoying chew toys, and solving puzzles like Nina Ottosson toys.
Even dogs with a history of limited socialization can be taught to engage in play with other dogs over time.
Patience is key when teaching your dog to enjoy play. I know someone who has been working with a senior, fearful, and reactive dog rescued from a puppy mill for years. Due to his troubled past, engaging in play was initially terrifying for him. However, after consistent efforts, he recently started retrieving and tugging for the first time. This newfound playfulness indicates his growing confidence, trust in his handler, and overall sense of joy.
While food rewards currently reinforce these behaviors, with more conditioning, the activities can become intrinsically rewarding, transferring the treat value to the joy of playing.
Encouraging your dog to play has numerous benefits, such as strengthening your bond, providing mental and physical stimulation, and expanding your reinforcement techniques. Most importantly, it’s a delightful experience for both you and your furry companion! Stay tuned for more insights on play and additional resources in our next discussion.
Featured Image Credit: SG SHOT, Shutterstock
