5 Tips To Rediscover Your Dog's Urge To Play

All dogs love spending time interacting with their owner, whether that be through active play, simple walks, training and/or cuddles. But some dogs have a stronger urge to play than others. Play is beneficial for both dog and owner; it gives the pair a chance to build a stronger bond, helps keep both of them fit, healthy and active, and generally have fun and enjoy life. But what do you do if your dog shows no interest in playing?

1. Spend time bonding with your dog in ways he currently enjoys more. For example, cuddle him, talk to him, take him for relaxed walks, and more. Make spending time doing anything and everything with you a pleasure for your dog.

2.  Buy your dog a special toy. Help your dog to love this toy and come to the realisation that it's fun. Soon, once you've helped your dog build up his love for interacting with this toy, he will hopefully choose to play with it more.

3. Start small, and introduce your dog to the new toy, making it fun for him to be around. Get into 'play mode' yourself, and don't be afraid to look silly! Make playing with you and this toy the funnest thing he could ever be doing.

4. While ensuring the game is controlled, allow your dog some freedom in the game. Allow him to express himself, enjoy himself and rediscover what game makes him tick. Soon enough, you should start to see what game is your dog's favourite. Then, you can do more of this with him, thus making him enjoy playtime even more!

5. Go at your dog's pace, and don't push him too hard. If you go at your dog's own pace, you will find you see results quicker. Allow him to make the progress; if you push his progress, he won't enjoy it as much anymore, and it will feel more like a job than playtime.

Mainly, have FUN!

Soon, you and your dog will both be enjoying many happy hours playing as a pair!

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