06/06/2026
How powerful do you think PLAY is?
If you're not playing effectively with your dog, there's a key piece of your relationship missing.
Play is one of the tools I use in the rehabilitation of reactive dogs. If we're going to tell a dog they can't kick off at the sight of a trigger, I think it's only fair to show them an appropriate outlet for all that energy / frustration / genetic drive.
But its not just that. Play is one of the best ways to introduce and uphold rules and impulse control in a non threatening way. Little boundaries can be established as your game develops together and you can learn to share space, resources and ideas.
Play is were confidence is built or lost and today Bruno saw me and I saw him. Really, we met properly for the first time today and it gave me hope for what's possible for him.
Learn to play well with your dog.