Playing with Your Service Dog

Let’s Have Some Fun!
Being a service dog is intense work; the job can include serious physical and mental concentration throughout the day. One of the things that can help your dog stay healthy and motivated as your mobility partner is to everyday provide enjoyable and stimulating activity that is not associated with work. A play session should last long enough for your dog to feel a true release of any pent-up energy – 10 to15 minutes is a ballpark estimate. Although most dogs’ need for additional energy release declines as they mature into senior years, all dogs need and benefit from ‘fun time’.

Just as humans have individual ideas about what they consider “fun” (think roller coasters or ice fishing), so do dogs vary in their preferences about desirable activities. One dog might love a rowdy game of “tug” while another dog would much prefer quieter interactions with its partner. While spending time with your dog in class you will discover how your dog responds to different play opportunities.   

   

Here Are A Few Common Play Options
•	‘Free Running’ in a safe, enclosed space;
•	“Tug of War” with a solid “out”;
•	Energetic play personal play with energy and the body (nipping and biting is intolerable);
•	Fetch: Tossing a Toy: throw on a ground safe to run on for their paws; 
•	Hide and seek games;
•	Jogging with your dog on leash (e.g. on a track or bike path).

Some Safety Considerations
While arranging fun activities for your dog, keep in mind the possible hazards associated with playtime. 

•	The ground should not be slick as the dogs can slip or fall, either injuring themselves or developing a fear of polished floors. Prolonged running and skidding on pavement may cause bruised or bleeding pads. Check the ground for dangerous objects (e.g. broken glass, metal shards, etc.).
•	Do not exercise your dog with unfamiliar dogs. Service dogs should only play with dogs with whom they share established and positive relationships. Avoid dog parks and their unpredictable dog encounters.
•	If you allow your dog to wrestle and romp with other dogs in a secure area, remove a hazardous collar. A tooth or jaw caught in the links of a chain collar during interactive play could escalate into a dangerous, and potentially deadly, situation. If you feel a collar is necessary, it should be a quick-release collar fitted close, but comfortably, around the dog's neck.
•	To ensure it does not cause behavioral problems in service work, monitor any play activity that gets your dog extremely excited (Example: throwing a ball or Kong repetitively may cause your dog to become obsessive over thrown objects to the extent that she can no longer focus on service work if in the vicinity of balls or flying Frisbees™.)
•	Dogs can be injured or killed by choking on or ingesting smaller balls (such as tennis and racquet balls) or other “toys”. 

Many dogs love to chew. A sturdy chew toy can provide oral satisfaction and mental relaxation for your dog. Use quality products that hold up well to a dog’s strong jaws. A hollow Kong stuffed with moistened kibble and then frozen can be a pleasant diversion for some dogs. Be sure to compensate for these extra calories when feeding your dog her regular meal. All toys need to be checked after each use for any splintering or sharp edges. Discard any toy with significant damage. 

There are numerous accounts of dogs injuring themselves by overzealous gnawing and ingestion of all sizes and shapes of toys meant for entertainment. Often it results in emergency surgery to remove the object, lacerated gums or dental surgery to repair or remove broken teeth. A ball or toy lodged in the throat can asphyxiate a dog and foreign objects blocking the intestines can have dire consequences as well. Toys should be chosen carefully and introduced only when there is someone present to supervise. 
The following is a list of toys that NLWD advises against:  
•	Latex squeaky toys (many latex paints and coating is harmful to dogs)
•	Rawhide bones
•	Real bones (splintering)
•	Fabric or stuffed toys for dogs who like to destroy toys - anything a dog could dismember, shred or swallow
•	Ropes that easily dismantle 
•	golf balls, any medium / small size ball in comparison to your dogs mouth

NLWD especially cautions playing with balls and tug toys 
The movement of balls and tug games can quickly lead to obsessive behavior in a dog. And as noted earlier, they can also be dangerous, as it is easy for a dog to chew up and/or even swallow a small ball. It is important that you create boundaries when playing these games. Watching your dog and their energy/body language carefully is important. 

“Tug” 
This is an energetic, interactive game for you to play with your dog. Using an appropriate tug toy, you and your dog can pull back and forth as each player attempts to wrench the object free. Many dogs will vocalize with grunts, growls or barks while they are playing with you. This is normal, though if it makes you uncomfortable you may want to seek advice from your instructor. In the excitement of playing, your dog may inadvertently mouth your hand as she tries to get a good grip on the toy. You may need to calm your dog’s enthusiasm and/or use a different toy that is designed to prevent this tendency. Take turns with your dog; be sure that you each have the chance to “win”. Of course, your dog must realize that you are ultimately in control and that playtime occurs at your discretion. When playing an exciting game with your dog, always retain the ability to stop the play with a serious “that’s enough” command. This verbal cue tells the dog that play is over, and she should release the toy. Stop pulling on the toy; yet keep a solid hold of it. Remove it from your dog’s mouth only when your dog stops pulling as well. 

Not only is playing with your dog good for her mental, emotional and physical health, but it is great bonding time for both of you. Having your dog as a play companion is one of the “perks” of choosing a service dog as a health option to manage your disability. So have fun!