The importance of play
Hi! I’m Alex, a dog trainer based in Streatham, south London, running 1-2-1 training sessions for dogs and their guardians.
So, why is play so important?
Play is simply fun! It’s a chance for you and your dog to do something that develops your bond together.
Play uses a fun activity to set clear markers for our dogs in a positive way. When to ‘get it’ with high energy, when to ‘give’ with calm energy, when to up the ante and when to lower it. When the ‘yes’ works.
Playing with our dogs simply strengthens our bond together. They’re totally engaged with you and only you - you’re the fun, you’re the guidance, you’re the companion in those moments.
It releases energy before ‘training’. There are many ways that playing (in the right way) can help with things like lead work, marker reenforcement, patience. But it also just releases that species urge to be active and engaged, channeling it into something positive. In my dog training consultations one of the things I like to know is how and when you play together with your dog.
I incorporate play into my everyday routine with my two dogs - one is three and one is twelve! But for the same reasons as above, without fail. Keep an eye on future posts to see a live example of how I play with my terrier Norah before most walks.
Ta, Alex