Recently, I wrote a review of Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado’s new book Play With Your Cat! published in 2024. Short review: I recommend it!
Is there a similar book for dogs? Yes! I was pleased to discover that I already had a copy of Pat Miller’s Play With Your Dog (2008). I decided it was time for another read through. I love this dog book. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy about being human and among the kind of humans who take their animals' needs, and their desire to play, seriously enough to think and write about it. And, of course, who play with their dogs.
Pat Miller of Peaceable Paws Dog and Puppy Training has 40 years of dog training expertise and has written a number of books about dog training.
As a super dog nerd (classes, book, certifications!) and because this was not my first or second read through of this book, the great information in the initial chapters on play and canine play styles had already sunk
into my consciousness.
Play is important. If you have a fearful dog who begins to show even the smallest signs of playfulness, this is HUGE. Play is an indicator of behavioral health and animal welfare.
The chapters I loved most this time were the ones about Playing With Your Dog and Rehabilitating the Play Deprived Dog. There are so many fun games and important tips about coaxing a dog to enjoy play. Yes, you can teach your dog to play! Don’t assume a dog who isn’t playful today will never be playful. Just be sure you don't overwhelm them with your enthusiasm, be patient, and encourage baby steps.
Play With Your Dog is so fun and inspiring! There are so many more things we can do with the dogs in our lives and so much to enjoy with them. Reading this book and thinking about people wanting to play more with their dogs made me very happy.
And, of course, it made me go play with my dogs!
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