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Teach Your Rescue Dog to Play
You adopted a rescue dog. Everything is going well, your pooch is eating and peeing outside, but when it’s time to play ball your canine is not quite sure what to do. So how do you teach your rescue dog to play?
The sad reality is that not all dogs get the best start in life. And, while its natural for canines to be playful, you may need to teach your dog how to play. But before you get alarmed it’s important to note that just like their human counterparts not all dog like to play the same. But if you are concerned below is a brief explanation as to why some dogs don’t play even if you think they want to.
Why Doesn’t Your Rescue Dog Play
A rescue is like any other dog wants to give love and have love. They also want to play like any other canine. But through circumstances they may never have been able to relax or trust. Their sole journey until prior to your love may of been one of survival.
Through not fault of their own a rescue dog is ‘rescued’ often due to unspeakable circumstances; such as abandonment, abuse and neglect… So, instead of learning how to play like a dog should, these beautiful dogs may spend their life in a cage, or foraging for food scraps just to survive.
But in time your rescue dog will learn to trust you, bond and part of this process can involve play time. So now that you know a rescue is a dog who want to be a dog who can use your help to teach him to play.
How to Teach Your Rescue Dog to Play
You try and throw balls and frisbees but he just looks up at you, puzzled. You’re not quite sure what to do, but you know training him to play at the very least will be good exercise. Not only is it a fantastic way to blow off steam, but it will also be a great bonding experience.
Play Time for Your Dog
The good news is, bringing the playful side out of your dog out will just take time and perseverance. You need to gradually let his walls come down by motivating him with tasty treats and irresistible toys.
If you can make him feel safe and play games where he feels in control, you’ll soon have him tumbling around with you. If he’s a puppy it may be easier. As puppies are full of energy, keen to learn and play is a natural state for a puppy.
If he’s older and more nervous then you may need to invest two or three weeks into training. Succeed with this training and you’ll have a great way to keep him happy and jolly.
You’ll also be able to give him a decent amount of exercise, that sees him dozing at your feet in the evenings.
Stock Up on Fun Dog Toys
Just like their human dogs respond to different toys. Some love noise and scents while other like motion and something to chase. So to help teach your rescue dog to play you want to make sure you gather a variety of fun dog toys. Most dogs love plush toys, as they are soft and comforting. Big dogs and small dogs love soft toys and they can be especially good for anxious dogs.
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If you have a young dog or puppy you’ll need an array of teething chew toys. These rubber toys are good for giving a pups gums and jaws a workout, especially if they are teething.
In addition pick up some safe natural rubber toys, and a brain training puzzle to stimulate your dogs foraging skills. A good snuffle mat can also help your rescue with anxiety too.
The brighter colored and more enticing they look the better. And don’t forget to stock up on yummy treats. Tasty treat work to encourage your dog, and are ideally incorporated into their daily training.
Commit to Training Incorporating Play Time
You can teach your rescue dog to play as part of their training schedule. Training your dog will help build their confidence as they learn what to expect from you and visa versa. Dogs love a schedule, so set up a plan and commit to training your dog on a regular basis.
Start the day with a good walk to burn off any excess energy from the previous night. Be consistent and patient with commands and training. And make sure the whole family is one the same page so not to confuse your dog.
Concluding How to Teach Your Rescue Dog to Play
If your dog doesn’t become a master frisbee player or ball catcher then don’t worry. Dogs have their own way of expressing themselves and that includes play time. Some love to roll around on their blanket, other love to run while other enjoy brain games. And if they don’t seem to play fear not! Just like their humans some are athletic while other enjoy relaxing next to their human watching netflix and chilling.
Just shower them with love, treats and train your dog so he will become the confident canine he is meant to be.
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Our favorite: The Dunbar Academy Training Program. If you want a happy and obedient dog, this is one of the best online dog training programs available today! You can get the first month free using dunbar.info/RescueDogHappiness <
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