Before they became the kings of our couches, many dogs were bred to help with specific tasks. In short, they worked. Times and breeds have changed, but those instincts haven’t gone away. So how do you help your best friend fulfill his “job” even though he’s unemployed? The answer is pretty simple — playtime. There’s a style for every kind of work dogs enjoy.
THE GUIDE TO PET PLAY STYLES
HAPPY HUNTERS
Their ancestors might have helped track down and retrieve actual prey, but these skilled dogs are totally content retrieving a tennis ball. They’re rugged jocks who were bred to keep up with a hunt, so they need lots of exercise and activity.
Breeds:
Spaniels, Retrievers, Pointers, Hounds, Terriers (including Jack Russell Terriers), Setters
Their idea of a fun time:
- Fetch and outside play
- Running in a pack
- Diving and swimming
- Searching for hidden items
- Playing with interactive toys
Chuckit! Ball Launcher
Balls
Fetch Toys
HERD NERDS
Don’t laugh, these brainy breeds were born to be in charge. When herding a group, their ancestors acted as hall monitors and made sure everyone behaved. The result? Extremely intelligent dogs that need lots of mental stimulation and exercise — otherwise, they might actually try to herd you. Seriously, these overachievers are prone to giving themselves jobs if there’s nothing else to do, and that can lead to trouble. Herders can also be a bit cautious with other canines and hesitant about playtime.
Breeds:
Australian Cattle Dog, Border Collies, Corgis, Shepherds, Heelers
Their idea of a fun time:
- Agility training, lure courses and flyball
- Tossing a disc toy around
- Learning how to actually herd
- Earning food from treat-dispensing toys
Disc Toys
Treat Dispensing Toys
Roosevelt Soft & Chewy Dog Treats
TEAM PLAYERS
These smarties aren’t just in it for the treats — they love working together with you. That’s because they were bred for intense tasks like guarding, pulling sleds, and search and rescue. Nothing will make them happier than being included in whatever activity you’re doing but they do sometimes have a stubborn streak.
Breeds:
Boxer, Doberman, Mastiff, Husky, Rottweiler, Newfoundland, German Shepherds
Their idea of a fun time:
- Joining your run or bike ride
- Putting on their leash for a long walk
- Solving interactive toy puzzles
Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Football
Ruffwear Roamer Dog Leash
Puzzle Toys
MASTERS OF CHILL
It’s not that these guys don’t want to play — they’re just really more into relaxing than running around. After all, most toy and small breeds were bred to be cute companions, not hard laborers. And older dogs of all breeds enjoy taking things easy because their achy joints and blurry vision are slowing them down.
Breeds:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, small terriers, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, Bichon Frise, Pugs, Miniature and Toy Poodles, senior dogs of any breed
Their idea of a fun time:
- Discovering food in treat-dispensing toys
- Gently tossing around a plush toy
- Challenging their mind with interactive toys
Kong Senior Toy
Plush Toys
Interactive Toys
DOES YOUR PET NOT LOVE PLAY TIME?
Some dogs need a little extra encouragement. Others are still learning the skills for bonding and playing. And there are even dogs who just want to hang out with their person or cuddle with a plush toy, because that’s what makes them happy.