By Dr Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
One of the great joys of dogs is their diversity! From the majestic Great Dane to the bouncy Springer Spaniel, through to the plucky Jack Russell, they are all different.
As a vet, I know that what makes one dog tick isn’t necessarily true for another. Let’s explore the different play personalities of dogs and why play is so important for our canine companions.
Why is play important for dogs?
Puppies play to explore the world and to practice their social skills. They are also busy honing their other abilities like balance, coordination, and problem-solving, which would have been essential for survival.
Most adult dogs continue to play, and vets definitely encourage this. Play keeps pets both mentally and physically fit. It relieves stress by releasing endorphins, as well as burning calories. Plus, it’s a great way for you and your dog to bond!
Play personalities
With different characters and breed traits, dogs often approach play from different angles too. While there is often overlap, broadly speaking, dogs can be divided into four play personalities –
● The Mastermind – These dogs love a mental workout! They observe the situation and try to figure out what’s going on before diving in. Masterminds will pick things up quickly, enjoying puzzles and relishing training exercises. It’s important to keep these clever dogs busy, as under stimulation can lead to behavioural issues. Puzzle feeders or snuffle toys that encourage problem-solving are great. Something different, like an interactive training toy, can also be good fun.
● The Trailblazer – Bold explorers, Trailblazers enjoy discovering new things. They enjoy a mixture of activity and problem-solving, treating every walk like a mission! Using their keen sense of smell and confident approach to life, these dogs enjoy adventures. Things that you can take out on walks are a good idea, such as tug toys or toys that will float on water.
● The Olympian – Fast and enthusiastic, these dogs are always on the go! These dogs love games that challenge their speed and stamina, like fetch. Toys designed for these dogs must be durable and help them to burn off energy. A ball is an obvious choice for these dogs, but why not mix things up with an interactive ball like a tug toy that also double as a fetch item can be good fun. Tug toys will help bring their focus back on you, which can be helpful when working on things like recall.
● The Wild Card – Wild Cards are loveable goofballs who enjoy silly games. Expect unpredictable gear shifts during play, mixed with comedy moments. These dogs love spontaneity, and novelty toys can help their personalities truly shine. Encourage their care-free nature further with toys that make sounds or bounce unpredictably.
Remember that your dog’s play type can also be affected by their mood and energy levels, so it’s important to adapt accordingly. While understanding your dog’s personality can be helpful when making toy choices, having a variety of accessories will keep things fresh for them.
Play rules
To keep your play sessions safe and engaging, I always recommend the following –
● Never use your fingers or clothing as a substitute toy - Start as you mean to go on and instil good habits in your pup. If your puppy starts mouthing you, redirect them to a toy.
● Build a routine around play – By setting aside regular time for play, your dog will understand what to expect each day and will feel more secure. Play sessions can help your dog stay stimulated and keep certain behavioural issues at bay.
● Check your toys regularly for wear and tear – Even the toughest of toys can become worn over time, especially if your dog is a strong chewer! Small pieces of toy could be accidentally swallowed, causing choking or digestive issues. So, check and replace your toys as needed.
● Rotate toys – Keep things fresh by rotating your dog’s toys regularly. This can encourage them to experiment with different types of play and keep them engaged during your sessions.
● Avoid rough play – I can’t stress this one enough, don’t encourage rough play! Play should be a friendly bonding activity between the two of you. If your dog is showing signs of aggression, resource guarding, or they are ‘getting carried away’, stop the game immediately and withdraw attention. Always seek help from your vet or a qualified pet behaviourist if you are struggling.
Key takeaways
As a vet, I recommend that owners play with their dog regularly. Not only will it provide an array of physical and mental benefits for them, but it is also a great way for you to spend time together. The pet-owner bond is strengthened through play sessions, and the right toys can help you with this.
If you have any concerns about your dog’s behaviour or wellbeing, then speak to your vet for advice.
Dr Rebecca MacMillan is a practising small animal vet, who has worked in a variety of settings since her graduation in 2009., As well as treating a wealth of clinical cases over the years, she has experience in leadership and practice management. She has followed her interest in small animal medicine, gaining a postgraduate certificate in this subject which helps with both her patients and writing work.
