Play is a great way to build a solid relationship with your dog. In addition to being just plain fun, it's also a great training tool. Play helps dogs learn how to interact properly with other dogs and people. It helps sharpen their social skills and provides excellent physical and mental stimulation.
In this book, Pat Miller explores the role and benefits of play between you and your dog - and between dogs. Play behaviors have important learning and health benefits that help dogs become well-adjusted members of both their canine and human families. Through play your dog learns dog-to-dog social graces and is mentally and physically stimulated. Play can be a great training tool, helping to build the relationship between you and your dog.
And while play comes naturally to most dogs, there are many who need to be encouraged to discover their “inner puppy.” Pat includes dozens of game ideas collected from trainers all over the country you can try out with your dog(s).
Play With Your Dog will show you:
- How play helps you build a loving relationship with your dog;
- The role of play in helping puppies avoid problems like fear and biting;
- How to use play to re-socialize adult dogs;
- What to look for in dog play--is it aggression or just having fun.
Author Pat Miller is at the forefront of the force-free, positive dog training phenomenon in the United States. She is Past President of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the world's largest professional group of dog trainers, operates her own training facility in Hagerstown, Maryland and is a 20 year veteran of humane work. Play With Your Dog is just one of the many books that Pat has written about positive training techniques and she's Training Editor for the Whole Dog Journal.
BARK MAGAZINE Review “…In Play With Your Dog, Pat Miller shares her observation that almost every dog-human interaction is an opportunity to have fun while building a stronger relationship. Rich with photos of dogs at play (by themselves and with each other, children, and adults), this book sets the stage for playtime with lively descriptions of a wide variety of dog play styles, including “body slammers,” “chasers,” and “wrestlers,” personalities I recognize in neighborhood dogs. Having identified you dog’s style, you’re well positioned to match compatible playmates or introduce a new dog to you family pack. For those nervous about loud and energetic play, including growling, snarling, and biting, Miller demystifies mock aggression and explains for to tone down exuberant play before it escalates. She briefly samples dozens of play opportunities that allow you to subtly reinforce obedience commands, which will help ensure that your dog remains a welcomed participant in family and public outings. Devoting and entire chapter to play between children and their dogs, Miller emphasizes ways that are safe and fun for all. Jo Haraf
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