Being in a situation where your dog wants to play a lot is difficult.
Some people will want to take breaks and it’s not always possible to spend hours with the dog during playtime.
You will want to set a firmer schedule and that is where a lot of dog owners struggle. You end up with a dog that wants to play all the time and is not willing to let go of this idea.
If a dog wants to play all the time, set a firm schedule and look to use automated play toys such as a fetch machine or a rolling ball. Next, be ready to say “No” and wait for the dog to calm down before rewarding it with a treat.
Most dogs are going to pick up on this and will begin to stay calmer. This is what you should be aiming for.
You do not want to reward the dog when it asks to play. Yes, it is good to have playtime with the dog but only based on a set schedule. This is how you are going to know it will work out as needed.
Here are the things you need to look at when managing a dog that wants to play all the time.
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Tips For Managing A Dog That Wants To Play All The Time
1. Set A Firm Play Schedule
If your dog wants constant attention, it might come through in this form.
The dog might want to play a lot and that is why it will keep asking. However, this additional energy is not always something you want to be happy with.
You will need to look at setting a firm play schedule and not giving in to the dog’s demands. Otherwise, they will assume any time of the day can be playtime as long as they ask.
2. Use Automated Play Toys
Let’s assume you get tired during playtime.
If a dog wants to play and you don’t mind, it is okay to look at options on the open market that will make your life easier.
An excellent example of this would be automated play toys.
Automated play toys are great because they will work on their own. You don’t have to be there all the time.
For example, some dog owners will set up an automated fetch machine. This will toss out the ball and let the dog fetch the back before doing it again on its own.
You will enjoy this as it will let the dog enjoy its time without needing your investment.
3. Be Willing To Say “No”
Now, it is time to consider what you should do if the dog keeps asking to play.
Of course, you do want to have playtime with the dog but there is a limit. This limit is what you are going to want to focus on.
In most cases, you have to be ready to say no.
If you are not willing to say no, you are not going to be happy with the results. This is going to make it difficult for you to stay happy.
4. Reward Calmness
You have to reward calmness.
People that are not taking the time to reward calmness will always have a hyper dog. The dog is not going to know this is bad behavior.
So, how do you do this?
The best option is to reward calmness with the help of treats or positive words. The dog will know that you are happy when they are calm and that is going to make it easier for them to stay in this state.
If you continue to play with the dog at different times of the day, it will continue to ask. It will remain hyper and that is not a good sign.
Final Thoughts
These are tips that will help if a dog wants to play all the time.
if a dog wants to play all the time, it’s best to start by setting a firm play schedule and adhering to it. Next, look to invest in an automated dog toy (i.e. fetch machine) and make sure to say “No” from time to time. It’s also recommended to reward calmness with dog treats.
This is how you are going to get the dog to stop asking to play all the time.
If you don’t reward calmness, the dog will never know what is good behavior in your eyes. They will continue to ask and it gets worse if you give in to the pressure.
Don’t let this happen and make sure to follow the tips here.
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