Go PLaY with your DoG

This may just be me.. but I love crazy dogs. I love working with crazy dogs and I am bad for encouraging flint's destructive, rambunctious, energetic nature!  So long as it's safe, and the dog knows ON and OFF signals i see no harm in it :) Playing has lots of benefits..

 Benefits of PLAY:

1. For submissive/shy dogs (like flint)  playing does wonders to build on confidence, and a confident dog will be more willing to learn new behaviours (important in trick training!)
2.  Playing safely re-directs a dog's prey drive to something appropriate like a ball or tug-toy. It becomes an outlet for their natural behaviour  and a dog gets to be a DOG! A dog that is allowed to be a dog, will be better at overcoming distractions like chasing a squirrel when you say "Leave it" because  the dog thinks:  "Meh.. i see those all the time" (actually you throw stuffed animals for Rover all the time, but he can't tell the difference!)
3. Toys become another reward for good behaviour. Especially good if you dont' want to rely on treats to reward those pudgy pooches!
4. Play  keeps a dog active, healthy and happy.

5. Builds on the Bond between you and the dog -this is an obvious one! If you are fun, your dog will like you -need i say more? 

                                    

Flint too proud to show me what she did =P

Flint trying to keep Arthur off the road

Who needs to carry dog toys around when you have sleeves!