Playing with your dog throughout their life
Photo by Elina Volkova
During their juvenile period — from 12 weeks to 12 months — your puppy's teeth typically start to come out. That's why it's important during this stage to look for toys that are a bit more durable, such as rope or rubber toys, that are suitable for your pet's biting size. This phase is a time of general recognition, where your puppy is like a sponge absorbing all the knowledge it can. Here, play becomes a crucial ally in teaching our pets many things.
Benefits of playing during the juvenile stage
During this stage, playing helps your puppy to:
- Identify what they can and cannot play with.
- Develop tolerance to frustration.
- Learn some basic behavioral commands.
- Discover appropriate ways to release pent-up energy.
- Strengthen the human/pet bond.
- Achieve potty training control.
Playing in the adult stage
During adulthood — roughly from 13 months to 7 years — play will be one of the many ways we have to drain our pets' energy. Just like us humans, dogs need daily energy expenditure to be happy. A good toy will be our most practical tool for effective interaction and bonding with our pets every day. During the adult stage, you can experiment with all types of toys, considering your pet's preferences.
Toys in the geriatric stage
Finally, in the geriatric stage — from around 6 or 7 years onwards — it's important to lower the intensity levels of play to protect your pet's joints, heart, and lungs. It's also necessary to revert to soft and durable toys because although your dog may have experienced intensive play during its juvenile/adult stage and developed the habit, it's crucial to care for your pet's teeth as it ages.
Play and toys will be an activity that accompanies your furry friend throughout their life, allowing them to learn, release energy, socialize, and remain a healthy and happy dog until the end of their days. Play has countless benefits that make our routine with pets more enjoyable. So, what are you waiting for to go play with your pet? I'm sure the time you spend playing together will become cherished moments for both you and your best furry friend.
