Dogs offer us some great benefits! If you’re thinking about getting a dog, or if you just want to get the most out of your current canine companion, playing with your dog can be very rewarding and beneficial. But before you play with your dog, it’s important to know what some of these benefits are, so let’s take a look at the top 9 benefits of playing with your dog.
1 Playing Strengthens Bond
Just being together can strengthen your bond as a human-canine team. Whether you’re throwing a ball, playing tug-of-war or just giving your dog belly rubs, these activities are sure to bring you closer together. And for elderly owners and dogs, short strolls around your neighborhood may be all that’s needed to help keep both healthy—and happy! This gentle exercise has been shown to increase strength in older humans, while also improving joint mobility in aging pooches.
2) Playing Reduces Stress
Studies have shown that pet owners have lower blood pressure, better moods, and a reduced risk for heart disease. A dog’s affection doesn’t just make you feel loved—it helps balance your neurochemicals and reduce stress.
3) Playing Makes You Happier
Dogs are not only man’s best friend, but also happiness boosters. When playing games such as fetch or tug-of-war, dogs provide a release for their owners’ stress and make them happier than ever before. Dogs don’t care how big your problems are; they just want to play and enjoy life with you. For that reason alone, they should be encouraged to play in every way possible. This can even come down to something as simple as throwing a ball; studies have shown that even just 10 minutes of throwing a ball will relieve tension and make you feel happier than you were five minutes prior to playing with your dog.
4) Playing Is Good Exercise
Playing with your dog is a great way to provide him with a little bit of exercise and work off that excess energy. Just as you would for any other workout, try to make sure your dog gets in at least 10 minutes of playtime every day. The great thing about playing with your dog is that you don’t even have to go to a gym or worry about breaking a sweat — just spend some time running around and having fun together!
5) Playing Promotes Quality Time Together
If you’re anything like me, your time at home is precious. Between family obligations, work, and other personal commitments, it can be difficult to spend quality time with one another. But when you play with your dog, there’s nothing but fun and games to be had! It doesn’t matter if it’s a quick game of fetch or a long round in a disc-style game – nothing brings us closer together than spending time having fun together.
6) Playing Increases Happiness in Your Relationship
Research has found that playing creates stronger bonds between dogs and their owners. If you’re an owner, you might already know just how true that is! There’s something special about getting down on your knees and tussling with your pup. It’s great exercise, helps them feel young again (if they’re a senior dog), and also helps relieve stress in both of you.
7) Playing Improves Focus
Playing can be a great way to calm your dog down, but it can also have mental benefits. A study from England’s University of Lincoln showed that playing just one hour per week made dogs more focused and calmer in general. Playtime might make your dog less hyperactive and easier to train too!
8) Playing Tackles Problem Behaviors
Playing not only provides a great physical workout, but it also keeps your dog mentally stimulated and builds his confidence by allowing him to succeed. A confident dog is less likely to exhibit problem behaviors. #9 Playing Provides Quality Bonding Time: Most dogs love nothing more than running around outside with their owners, and that’s why playing makes for some quality bonding time between you and your best friend. Taking turns chasing after a ball or Frisbee can strengthen your bond in both fun and meaningful ways.
9) Playing Works Both Ways
While you’re spending some quality time with your pup, he’s getting in some quality playtime, too. Playing helps your dog stay active and alert and also works as a stress reliever. In fact, playing can benefit your dog in much of the same ways it benefits you!
The Importance of Dogs in Our Lives
Dogs are not just pets, they are more than that. They are a part of the family and provide unconditional love to their owners. Dogs can help humans in many ways such as providing health benefits, increasing confidence levels, and providing emotional support.
There is no doubt that dogs play an important role in our lives and should be treated with respect and care.
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