If you’ve ever had a dog, you know that they bring a lot of joy into your life. From the day they’re born until the day they die, they are just so much fun to play with and love.
However, it can be difficult to keep up with all of the energy that dogs have. Luckily there are several ways to play with your dog without getting too exhausted.
Here are a few ways to play with your dog and keep him happy.
#1 Set a Fixed Time for Playing
Make sure you have time to play with your dog regularly. To get the most out of playing with your dog, you should set aside at least ten minutes per day for interacting with him. The more often you play with him, the happier he will be, the less destructive he’ll be when left alone, and the less likely to bark or whine when he wants attention from you.
Try to stick to this schedule even if you are tired or busy. It’s important not to let yourself get carried away by other activities that might distract you from spending quality time together.
Pick a spot where there are no distractions, like other animals or people. With fewer distractions, dogs tend to focus more easily during playtime.
#2 Play with Your Dog’s Favorite Toy
One of the best ways to play with your dog and keep him happy is by playing with his favorite toy. This can be anything, such as a ball he likes to chase around, a stuffed animal he loves to cuddle, or even a squeaky toy.
If you are not sure what kinds of toys your dog prefers, try asking friends and family members who own dogs for recommendations. Also, consider trying out some different kinds of toys at the store before buying one for your pet.
#3 Reward Your Dog with Treats
Treats are a great way to reward your dog. They can be used to reward good behavior, playfulness with you, and tricks he knows how to do. When your dog does something that deserves praise or appreciation, make sure you give him some love in the form of treats.
If your dog does well during training sessions, try using treats instead of verbal praise as a reinforcement technique. The idea behind this is that if a dog sees that doing something gets his owner’s attention, he will continue doing it to get more attention.
If you’ve no experience buying dog treats, you can check out the options available in the dog treats section on PetRx. There are various kinds of dog treats available there. You’ll surely find something or a dog treat flavor that appeals to your dog specifically. Knowing what kind of treats or taste your dog likes will help you a lot here.
#4 Try Playing Outdoors
Playing outdoors is a great way to keep your dog happy and healthy. Dogs are active animals that love to run around, explore new surroundings, and sniff all kinds of interesting smells. They also get their energy out by playing with you.
Outdoor play helps you and your dog bond. You can play games like fetch or tug-of-war with them. These games will not only help you bond with your pet but also provide lots of fun for both of you and give them physical exercise simultaneously.
You can also take your dogs on simple walks after playing. A research paper published in Nature suggests that walking can help reduce the risk of dementia in dogs. Thus, outdoor walks with your dog are just as beneficial for them as they are for you.
#5 Make Sure Your Dog is Eating and Drinking Properly
As you’re playing with your dog and getting him to interact with you, you must make sure he is eating and drinking properly. While playing, check his weight and make sure he isn’t losing too much weight. Also, regularly check your dog’s teeth, as cavities can form quickly in dogs.
A study published in the Archives of Clinical and Biomedical Research shows that vegan diets are beneficial to dogs’ health. Thus, you can opt for a vegan diet completely or give it a try from time to time. However, you might want to consult your vet before making the switch completely. Abrupt changes in diet can be hazardous to your dog’s health.
A report published on puppies.co.uk claims that the cost of owning a dog has nearly doubled in the past three years. Inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic’s hit on the economy have a lot to do with this increase in costs. Thus, you’d want to keep your dog healthy so that you don’t have to spend more money on meds and vets than you already are.
Playing with your dog can be a great way to keep him healthy and happy. It helps build a bond between the two of you while promoting good health through exercise and mental stimulation.
