How Old Dogs Like to Play?
Dog owners often ask themselves, „How old do you play?” Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be hard to find activities for your older pet. Here are some tips for engaging your dog in ball games, fetch, and tug-of-war. These activities are ideal for both you and your older dog. You’ll be surprised to find that older dogs can still have fun! Even though they may have a bit of trouble with balls, don’t give up!
Tip for playing fetch with an older dog
If you want to play fetch with your older dog, you may want to try using a T-shirt instead of a tennis ball. Recycled T-shirts can be much gentler on your dog’s teeth, neck, and back, making them a great choice for playing fetch with older dogs. When selecting a toy for fetch, make sure it is safe for your dog’s teeth and avoid using a nylon rope.
The object for fetching should be an object your dog has already discovered and has some interest in. Make sure your dog is focused on this object and responds to your fetch command when it grasps it. Once the object is in its mouth, give it a treat and praise it. This will make your dog associate the word fetch with the object that it has chosen. Try placing it on the ground as well to teach your dog how to play fetch with an object on the ground.
Tip for playing tug-of-war with an older dog
If you’re not sure how to play tug-of-war with an older dog, there are several tips you should follow to keep the game fun for both of you. To start, teach your dog to drop the toy whenever you command him to do so. After about 15 minutes, drop the toy and encourage him to pick it up again. Repeat this process until your older dog learns that releasing the toy is the end of the game.
To begin, select a large, uncluttered area. Indoors is fine, as long as there are no obstacles. Make sure there is enough room for both players to move. Set the tone for the game by deciding what rules will be enforced and what is acceptable. Always remember that your older dog is playing tug-of-war for its own benefit, so be sure to pay attention to what he does.
Tip for playing ball with an older dog
Even an older dog needs exercise and fun, and playing ball with them is a great way to give them that. Although they may not be able to catch Frisbees or leap over agility jumps, older dogs still love to play. Try scent games or rolling games for older dogs that can benefit from the added exercise. This activity will keep their minds and bodies engaged while they’re out on a walk or run.
Make sure to let the older dog win if they’re willing to play. Be sure to reward them for playing when they’re eager to please you. Don’t force them to play – they’ll likely overextend themselves in the end. Instead, give them a treat or praise every time they play well. It’s important to remember that older dogs have less stamina, and so playing with them may tire them out faster.
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Dog owners often ask themselves, „How old do you play?” Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be hard to find activities for your older pet. Here are some tips for engaging your dog in ball games, fetch, and tug-of-war. These activities are ideal for both you and your older dog. You’ll be surprised to find that…