Communiction - How does a dog expresses himself to you that he wants to play?

Dogs, especially when they are young, are very playful by nature. Playing gives them the require exercise and also helps to form bonds with littermates.

If you are keeping only one dog then you will be chosen by the dog as a surrogate playmate. Young dogs may be more playful, but older dogs can be just as enthusiastic to play, right through old age.

Dogs have a very peculiar way in communicating their desire to play, by so call play bowing. This is done by literally bowing down on its front legs, which are extended out flat in front of the body, with the body being curved at this stage. It is also quite common for the dog to bark excitedly once or twice in this position, to attract attention. If approached, the dog is then likely to spring up and run off a short distance, before play bowing again.

At this point, you can start playing with your mate, and even by just throwing a ball can bring immediate response, with your dog chasing after it and retrieving it back to you, so that the game can be repeated. Research suggests that medium sized and large dogs have more highly developed play instincts than their smaller counterparts, and show a greater willingness at the throw and retrieve game.

Here are some of the ways your dog will be indicating to you that they want a game or two from you:

# Puppies that have recently been separated from the pack may chase their tails, or other
imaginary objects, indicating they want to play.

# When a dog have stolen an object, they wll learn to give a playful response when scolded.

# Dogs that don't have enough exercise will find games to play alone, resulting in biting and
destroying things around the premises.