It’s A Dog’s Life—

Play Ball!

By Mary Jane Anderson

Playtime is an essential part of the health and well-being of your dog. Dog owners usually understand that proper food, water, shelter, and medical care is necessary for a healthy dog, but do not realize that just walking your dog three times a day does not provide the challenge that animals need, which they have inherited from their ancestors.

Play is essential for growth and learning for children and animals as both tests their skills and strength with their playmates, developing the later skills needed for social bonding in their society. Playing games with your dog will enhance your relationship with your dog. But, the games must be constructive rather than destructive, otherwise, your dog will disrespect you, as well as you encouraging aggression. Such a game is a test of dominance. Wrestling, rough housing, or tug of war is used in training an attack dog.

Playing ball with your dog can be an excellent exercise for your dog. Any dog owner who plays catch with their dog knows the excitement their dog shows when they say, “Let’s play ball.” The dog anticipates the fun as he runs and jumps around you to go out and start the game.

I remember when my children were young going out to play baseball in the backyard. Heidi, our German shepherd, was the outfielder. Since it was a small team of four, Heidi played an important part bringing back the ball that went too far. Heidi looked forward to the games just as much as the children.

Some sort of physical activity that includes your dog will make him happier and healthier. Play is good exercise for body and spirit, as well as building and strengthening a living and lasting friendship with the family.

Pent-up energy is also relieved by play. If your dog does not have any physical activities on a regular basis, he can become frustrated and bored. This can lead to behavioral problems. Play is, therefore, almost as important as eating and sleeping for the well-being of a dog.

In play, dogs practice their instinctive skills like the wolves and other animals would play with their pack members. The difference between the wild and domesticated animals is that you must provide play and recreation for your dog. When you play ball with your dog, he chases and leaps in the air, fine tuning his body and improving his strength and endurance. This keeps him in physical shape, not overweight and lazy.

If you have more than one dog, a regular shifting schedule will allow each dog to have its own individual attention. Then, each dog develops its own personality, not just one of the gang. He is special! Time-tested games of fetch, jogging, walking, and swimming provide a large range of exercise that both you and your dog will enjoy.

In the last few years, hiking has become a popular outdoor sport. Take your dog hiking and let him carry his own gear! Frisbee is another good exercise for you and your dog to keep in shape. Any dog that can catch a regular-sized Frisbee has a chance to compete with others in the competitions offered around the country. Obedience also can be a lot of fun, as well as developing a teamwork relationship for competition year round.

Playing with your dog will make you smile and sometimes even give you a good laugh as you watch your dog’s antics. After all, isn’t that a great part of the companionship you look for with your dog?