What is doggie play time? Picture a rugby league football game and you will have a pretty good idea. There is tackling, holding, chasing with the main focus being possession of the ball.
With doggie play there is stalking, grabbing nipping growling and dummy runs and the main focus may be a stick, ball or just each other. It is not gentle by any means with dogs colliding and tackling along the way. Just like a rugby game, the players have to be fit to come out unscathed; however injuries do happen along the way such as sprains, aches and pains.
Dogs need play – just as children need it. It is important for their mental and physical growth and wellbeing.
But there are rules to all games and doggie play is no exception.
- Players need to be matched, physically and mentally
- Bullies and withdrawn dogs are not included in the team
- Injured dogs are not included in the team
- Humans, especially children are not included in the team either verbally or physically
- The game is stopped by the referee (a responsible adult) the moment the game appears to be getting out of control or one of the dogs is showing signs of stress. Stopping the game is an art in itself, and shouting or growling at the dogs can have dire effects. Instead, call the dogs in a happy voice and put them away separately or put them all on leash.
With these rules in place the games can begin. Your dogs may end up dirty and disheveled, but the benefits of play show in their physical and mental wellbeing. You have a happy contented dog that is only too happy to lay around for the rest of the day.
Doggie play groups can be organized in the following way:
- Between a group of friends with similar type and size of dogs. Meeting once a week at one of the homes and letting the dogs play whilst the owners enjoy morning or afternoon tea and a chat.
- By meeting a group of friends at a leash free beach and letting the dogs have fun whilst you walk together up the beach.
So get organized and have fun. Your dogs will love you for it.
Carmel Hodgins
Delta Accredited Dog Behavioural Trainer
