Playing games with your dog is a pleasure. Playing with our pets allows us to develop a good relationship with our pets. Toys are an important part of these games. These games can be grouped into three categories:

Shake games--the dog will grab and shake an object.

Chase Game--The dog will chase some moving objects.

Power Game--This game includes a test of strength

These games mimic a range of hunting behaviors of canine ancestors. Some breeds or types of dogs are trained to enhance this ability to perform specific tasks for humans, such as retrieving game, herding or guarding.

For pet dogs, we can find these skills in their play. For example, long-eared hounds and sheepdogs like to chase and catch; guard dogs like power games; and hounds like to rock and pull objects. Every dog has different preferences for play. As for what kind of play your dog likes, it needs to be judged by experience.

The owner of the dog should control the play of the dog. This is important for puppies to develop a good relationship with their owners. When playing together, owners should keep toys within reach of the puppy. You, not the dog, should decide when the game starts and ends. For example, when playing a game of tug-of-war, the puppy should be taught to take out the toy to signal the start of the game. Putting the toy back means the game is over, even if it tugs on your clothes or fingers, it won't continue to play.

Play can build a long-lasting relationship between humans and dogs. Toys and games can also be used to reward behaviors that need to be encouraged. So if the dog hears your call and immediately comes over, play a small game with it as a reward. Play also allows the dog to know its place among humans. Human dominance can be consolidated by playing some power games with the dog, in which the owner should win the majority and can force the toy away. Training while playing is good for you and your dog.