Is it normal for dogs to play for hours?
Lyla Shanahan
2025-07-19 23:51:23
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When my wife and I adopted Bruno, a chocolate Labrador, the foster family told us that he would play fetch for hours. Most dogs love to play, and some dogs love it so much that it can become an obsessive behavior. When I worked at a dog daycare, among the 200 dogs I knew, there was one who herded plastic balls constantly, all day long, for several days a week, never taking opportunities to relax. Too much constant excitement could lead to hyperarousal and have physical and mental health consequences. Playtime is part of a joyful life. By giving him several fetch sessions each day, he gets to enjoy his favorite activity, but not for such duration that it overstimulates him. As Bruno repeatedly fetches the toy, I watch the speed of his return, or if he drops the toy to sniff about. If he slows down a bit or begins losing interest in the toy, I wait for him to fetch it one last time.
Vida Marks
2025-07-19 23:25:27
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Playing is an important part of a dog’s daily routine and the ability to play happily all alone is a useful one. 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. Playing is necessary for a dog to have good mental, physical, and emotional health, even if it is done alone. Playing when he is left alone is a great skill because playing can reduce stress and anxiety. Many dogs love to play and it improves not only their alone time, but their time with you as well. Dogs playing by themselves should be encouraged. If you have a dog who can entertain himself, it’s a sign of intelligence. Have you ever seen your dog throw a ball to himself, he is in the backyard all alone and is having a grand ole time picking up a ball, tossing it, and chasing after it.