Why does my dog refuse to play by herself?
Lilla Borer
2025-06-29 12:49:11
Count answers: 7
If your dog doesn’t play by himself and you want him to, you can try to work with him yourself or take him to a trainer for some techniques. Many dogs love to play and it improves not only their alone time, but their time with you as well. Playing is necessary for a dog to have good mental, physical, and emotional health, even if it is done alone. Dogs learn to play when they are puppies in the pack, and often playtime in social groups gives them useful life skills, like play fighting, hunting, or chasing. Eventually, most puppies leave their littermates and mom and need to figure out what to do on their own. The ability to use imagination, problem-solving skills, and energy while left alone makes the time go faster and it is healthier than sitting around doing nothing. A dog who does not have access to toys when he is alone might chew the wall, a shoe, or some other undesignated item.
Kristian Schroeder
2025-06-29 10:30:38
Count answers: 14
This could be about contact with you, or anxiety about something else in the environment. In these cases the dog will often refuse to eat or play with his own toys. Many dogs choose remote controls, phones, hair brushes, clothing - all things that carry their owner's scent. On the few occasions that you have discovered your puppy chewing an item that isn't acceptable, it is possible that you have been very cross. When you are absent and he is lonely, in the hope of bringing you back, he chews the things that he is sure will get a result - namely you bursting into the room and being rather angry. Even your anger is better than being on his own. Alternatively, perhaps the objects that he chooses remind him of you and when on his own he finds this reassuring. Puppies can't tell what is yours and what is theirs, so it makes sense only to leave their toys lying about.
Kendrick Kunde
2025-06-29 09:13:57
Count answers: 7
Dogs are highly social animals, so this requires training. The key success factor is for your fluffy ball to learn how to amuse himself alone, and enjoy his own company. First teach your puppy to play alone while you are present. Offer a chewing toy, ideally stuffed with food or treats. Reward your puppy when he settles down and plays quietly with you around. Then leave him alone for just a few minutes, while he’s still playing with his toy. From there, you will build up to longer periods. You might consider using a crate, teach them the crate is a safe and fun place with lots of treats and toys. Using ADAPTIL Junior will help your puppy feel reassured and comfortable when you are away.