Playtime is vital for your dog – for exercise, fun, and interaction with both you and other dogs. He should have off-lead exercise so he can run as fast as he likes, and investigate to his heart’s content.

Using playtime as a reward

Since dogs love playtime, precede it with a training session so that the playtime is a reward for good behaviour. If your dog hasn’t had a training session at his favourite park and won’t concentrate on the training session, use another park. If he doesn’t behave, he doesn’t get his reward. You may need to start the training at home, followed by a trip to the park, until he is well trained and disciplined enough to have the training session at the park.

What games can we play?

That depends entirely on your dog. A sociable dog will enjoy meeting and playing with other dogs, an energetic young dog will love retrieving Frisbees or a tennis ball hit with a tennis racquet. There are lots of different hardy toys that can be thrown, like Kongs, some of which are designed to be thrown into water for retrieval.

Older dogs may just trot off to investigate the lay of the land. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for dogs (as for people) and there are some beaches that allow dogs. Different breeds take to the water with differing amounts of enthusiasm; so don’t throw your dog in if he doesn’t want to get his paws wet. It will only increase his fear of water.

What if I don't feel comfortable letting my dog off the lead?

You need to have taught your dog the 'come' command before he can go off lead. Teach this at home before trying it out at the park where there are so many distractions. If you are worried about your dog attacking other dogs, you cannot responsibly let him off the lead.

Undesexed male dogs are most likely to be aggressive to other dogs, but desexed males and females should be able to interact sociably with other dogs and their owners if they have been socialised as a puppy. If aggression continues to be a problem, consult your veterinarian for further behavioural advice. You may be referred to a specialist if required.

Are walks counted as playtime?

Playtime refers to off-lead exercise, and doesn’t include running with a jogger or cyclist. Your dog needs to be allowed to follow her own nose.

Walks are an integral part of your dog’s (and probably your own) exercise regime, and since dogs enjoy them, can also be used as a reward. Contact your veterinarian or local council for information on areas where dogs are allowed off lead.