A lot of the discussions around enrichment and how to give a dog a good life focus on positive-reinforcement training, food puzzles, sniffing, and walks, which are all great, important things to do with your dog. But one activity that I think is underrated? Playing with your dog! Fetch, frisbee, tug, keep away, roughhousing, whatever game your dog likes best, playing with your dog is a great (and science-backed) way to strengthen your bond and boost both of your moods. Plus, play is a normal dog behavior that meets their physical, mental, and social needs, which means it is an excellent form of enrichment.

Here are a few tips to help you both have a blast during playtime:

1. Let your dog win.

Research shows that dogs who were allowed to win at tug were more engaged in the game and more affectionate towards their person afterwards. And there’s no need to worry that letting them win will make them feel dominant over you!

If you struggle to get the toy back to restart the game, try playing with two toys, so you can rotate.

2. Play games that your dog likes.

Experiment with different games and notice which ones make your dog light up. You might love fetch (or maybe your last dog did) but maybe your dog really lights up during keep away or when you take out a flirt pole. You might find that you enjoy something that you didn’t expect!

3. Put your phone away.

Like kids, partners, and friends, our dogs crave our attention and can tell when we are distracted by a device. Your dog will appreciate it if you leave your phone in another room while you play. And you might find that it makes play more fun for you, too!

4. Let your dog set the intensity level. 

A lot of dogs can feel bulldozed and a little put off by intense roughhousing, and even if they do engage with you, it might still be a little stressful for them and not entirely pleasant. You can give your dog a chance to set the tone of the play in a few ways. 

• First, offer invitations to play from 18+ inches away from your dog. Think of a dog play bowing or parading a toy around in front of another dog to get them to play. Socially skilled dogs make it clear that they want to play but don’t get up in the other dog’s face. Your version might be to playfully squat down and spread your arms wide and use baby talk, to shake and squeak a toy, or to do little dance-y feet and shuffle away, encouraging your dog to follow you.

• Next, avoid looming over your dog or smothering them. If your body allows it, get down on their level.

• As you play, match your dog’s physicality. If they paw at you, you can paw back. If they hip check you, you can bop them back.

• Take lots of mini breaks to give them a chance to reset the tone. To do this, pause your play for a few seconds, making sure you give your dog that 18+ inches of personal space. See how they respond to the space. If needed, give them another invitation to play.

Learn, Play, and Grow with Your Dog

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