6 Reasons to Play with Your Dog

Playtime is one of the most healthy activities you can do with your dog. Not only that your dog enjoys playing games with you, but they are also getting the needed exercise. Spending time with your pup will help relieve their anxiety and stay calm. It also benefits us dog owners because playtime with our furry friends soothe our nerves and relieve stress.

Moreover, adding playtime to your dog's routine is the easiest way to make them live longer. Here are 7 benefits of playing with your dog.

You are training them and you don't even realize it

One of the benefits of training your dog is that it is a fun way of getting their daily training. By training, we mean reinforcing their desired behaviors and teaching them to follow rules. It's not a traditional type of training where we teach them how to sit, stand, lay down, etc. It's a kind of training that they will never forget since they are having fun while doing it.

A great way to exercise

Dogs require regular exercise and using play to exercise makes it more fun. Playing as a form of exercise is not about doing one-hour runs - just 5 to 10 minutes of play session can make a huge difference.
It provides mental stimulation

Develops a strong bond with your pet

If you're having a hard time understanding what your dog wants lately, you may want to consider playing with them. Playing helps to strengthen your bond. When it comes to dogs, playtime is their favorite way to pass time. The more you spend time with them, the more you'll understand your dog's behavior and body language.

Reduces behavioral issues

There's less chance that your dog will develop behavioral problems if you regularly play with them. When dogs are bored, they entertain themselves by chewing on anything they see. It is also one of the reasons they are barking a lot. You can reduce these chances if you try to rid them of their boredom by playing with them.

Improves their social skills

Dogs should have social skills otherwise they won't be comfortable with strangers and other dogs. Playing with your dog helps them to learn the basic rules and it makes it easier for them to act properly. If you can your neighbors to play together with their pets at a younger age, they will be happier and it will be easier for them to socialize with humans and other animals when they grow old.

You'll also develop your social skills. A study from 2015 found that being a pet owner, they were likely to know most of their neighbors that they didn't know before when they had pets. 

It's good for you too

Taking the time to play with your pet can be good for your health too. Not only that spending time with them helps to relieve stress, but it also has a calming effect. Some studies have shown that it can alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and depression.