Top 5 Tips for Making Play More Fun!

Behav-N-Dogs Pet Services Top 5 Tips for Making Play More Fun

Helping Dogs Discover the Joy of Play

Play is one of the most powerful tools we have as trainers and dog guardians. It strengthens the bond between you and your dog, builds motivation, boosts confidence, supports recall and proximity, and—honestly—it just makes life more fun!

Not all dogs know how to play right away, and that’s OK. Many need to learn how to enjoy toys, tug, or chase games. With patience, enthusiasm, and the right approach, your dog will discover that play is one of the best parts of their day.

Below are Behav-N-Dogs’ top five tips to help unlock your dog’s inner joy and make playtime a meaningful part of their training journey.

Tip 1: Speak Their Language

Every dog has a natural “language” for reinforcement. Some are chasers, some are tuggers, and some are foodies who need a little extra encouragement before toys become exciting.

Start with what your dog values right now. If food motivates them most, introduce toys through food: toss a piece of food near a toy, roll the toy with a treat inside, or hide treats underneath it.

Use an upbeat, silly, inviting attitude. Your dog will follow your energy—show them that you’re having fun, and they’ll be more likely to join in.

Tip 2: Use What They Already Love

If your dog steals socks, carries blankets, or gently mouths your shirts… they’re already telling you what they find interesting!

Instead of fighting those instincts, channel them.

Tie old socks together to make a tug.

Cut up a soft old T-shirt and knot it into a chase toy.

Turn a loved household object (that you don’t mind sacrificing!) into a playful reward.

The goal is to work with your dog’s natural preferences, not against them. Play becomes more meaningful when it incorporates things your dog already enjoys.

Tip 3: Think Like Prey

Many dogs are hardwired to react to movement—fast, slow, sudden, unpredictable. That’s why squirrels get so much attention!

To tap into that instinct during play:

Move toys in quick, darting motions.

Pause suddenly, then “escape” the toy again.

Let the toy “hide” or go still, then bring it back to life.

The more unpredictable the movement, the more intriguing the game becomes. Your job is to make the toy feel “alive,” not simply hand it to the dog. When the toy behaves like prey, the dog naturally engages.

Tip 4: Experiment

Your dog’s favorite game might not be what you expect. Some dogs don’t care about balls but go wild for tug. Others love soft toys, rope textures, squeaks, or long chase items.

Experiment with:

Different types of toys

Different sizes and textures

Games that involve tugging, chasing, rolling, bouncing, or stalking

Varying your own movement and enthusiasm

If your dog seems unsure, soften your energy and encourage gentle engagement. If they’re excited, match their intensity. Every session is a new chance to discover what your dog loves most.

Tip 5: Be Playful (and Patient!)

Play should always be about having fun together. Don’t worry about creating a perfect retriever or a flawless tug dog. If your dog chases after a toy and then comes back asking for more—even without bringing it to you—that’s a win! They’re saying:

“This is fun! Let’s keep going!”

Let your relationship—and your dog’s comfort level—guide the process.

Keep sessions short, positive, and pressure-free.

Let your dog build confidence at their own pace.

With consistency, patience, and your enthusiastic guidance, your dog will soon understand the joy of play and look forward to it every day.

A Final Encouragement

With these tips, you and your dog will be having a blast in no time. Play is not just a game—it’s a relationship-builder. It shapes optimism, strengthens connection, and helps your dog see you as the source of all things fun and safe.

Embrace the joy of play, and watch your bond grow stronger every day.

Behav-N-Dogs Pet Services LLC

Helping dogs and their humans thrive—one joyful game at a time.