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Rules for happy and safe play
This guide teaches you the “rules” for happy and safe play, turning your interactions into fun training opportunities! It’s all about choosing the right toys and using games to build your dog’s confidence and self-control. You’ll learn how to keep playtime constructive, strengthening your amazing bond.
With practice this will help you achieve:
- Playing fetch safely at the park
- A fun game of tug
- Toys become a reward for recall or good behaviour
- Keeping your dog mentally stimulated
What you'll need
- Safe, size-appropriate dog toys
- A secure space to play (like your garden or living room)
- Your happy, playful attitude!
Step-by-step
- Choose the right toy: Before play begins, pick a safe toy. It should be large enough that your dog can’t swallow it. Avoid brittle plastics or toys with small parts that can be chewed off.
- Keep the toy low and move it side to side: This helps protect your dog’s neck and makes play safer and more comfortable.
- Practice a “drop it”: During games like tug or fetch, regularly ask your dog to “drop” the toy by making it go really still and boring. Then reward them with another game of tug. This teaches them that releasing a toy doesn’t mean the fun ends, which is super important for safety.
- You end the game: Always end the game while it’s still fun, before your dog gets too tired or overexcited. Take the toy and put it away calmly, leaving them wanting more next time.
- Keep a few special toys that only come out when you’re playing together to make them extra valuable.
- Be careful with puppy exercise: For young puppies, short bursts of play in the house and garden are enough. The rule of thumb is 5 minutes of formal walking per month of their age, twice a day. Too much can damage their growing joints.
- Avoid the “tire them out” trap: Constantly throwing a ball for your dog doesn’t tire them out—it just makes them fitter and increases adrenaline. High-arousal activities can create a wired dog who doesn’t have an “off switch.”
- Practice the 3-minute rule: Keep exciting games short (max 3 minutes), then follow up with a calming activity like sniffing for treats or enjoying a chew. This teaches your dog how to come down from excitement, a vital life skill. This rule also applies to play with other dogs.
Top tips for success
- Keep games of tug gentle and side-to-side, never pulling upwards on your dog’s neck.
- Regularly check your dog’s toys for any signs of damage and throw them away if they’re broken.
- Watch your dog’s body language. If they seem tired, stressed, or obsessive, it’s time for a calm break.
- The goal of play is to have fun together and build your relationship!
Worried if you're playing the right way?
Playtime is one of the best ways to bond with your dog, but it can be tricky to know if you're reinforcing the right habits. If you'd like to learn more about constructive play or need help with a dog who gets a bit too boisterous, I'm based in Epsom and here to help. A personalised One-to-One session can show you how to turn play into powerful training.
