The Importance of Play
Playing with your pet, whilst fun, is an incredibly useful training tool when you have a younger pet in the house. It allows you to clearly establish a social hierarchy while showing the pet exactly what is and isn’t allowed in terms of physicality.
A pet that learns not to jump up at your face while playing will refrain from doing so when scared or excited. As a training tool, it is not 100% and therefore clearer lines of training are encouraged, but Animal Friends suggests using these tips whilst playing to help the overall training of your pet.
Good Behaviour = rewards
Excitable pets may wish to play all the time, and whilst this may be cute while they are younger, occasionally you may wish to just sit back and relax after a long day at work. In this example, trying to distract your pet with a handy dog treat/cat nip mouse may not be the answer – the pet will quickly learn that bothering you will result in a favourite treat, meaning an easy way for them to get what they want. Although it sounds mean, it’s best to give them a little attention every now and again, but try to ignore them when they pester you whilst relaxing; when it is playtime, you can give them plenty of treats and attention, and they will understand that if they wait for you, the rewards are much better. This reinforces that you are in charge and run the household.
Should your pet become destructive while left alone, it is best to keep them in proximity so that you can at least monitor them whilst you relax, allowing you to dissuade them from causing damage and becoming too much of a hassle.
It is important to remember that some pets will react badly if punished. Shy pets will become scared of you, associating interaction with repeated scolding, and cats are particularly non-responsive to negative reinforcement, so it is vital that you approach all types of interaction with positive reinforcement only from a young age.
What are the benefits?
Whilst play can be used to teach a pet the boundaries, it also allows the pet to develop as it ages. Play fighting hones instinctual hunting behaviours, as well as teaching pets how to protect themselves – this instinct will apply to cats’ territorial patrolling, and dogs’ protective instincts towards other family members, amongst other things. The most obvious and perhaps important benefit of play is the bond it forges between owner and pet, allowing you to gain a more fulfilling and engaging relationship as you come to understand one another.
Play will keep your pet feeling younger; exercise isn’t just for humans, after all. Combined with a healthy diet, regular activities with your animal friend will help them live a longer and more comfortable life with you.
For more information about looking after your pet, or to take out a pet insurance policy call us on 0844 5570300 and one of our team will be happy to advise the most suitable cover.
