Does your dog come running the moment you pick up a ball?
Stop to investigate every interesting smell on a walk?
Head straight for the nearest puddle?
Or would they happily spend the afternoon curled up beside you?
Just like people, dogs have their own preferences. Paying attention to the activities your dog chooses again and again can help you learn more about what they enjoy and find engaging.
Of course, a favorite activity can’t tell you everything about your dog, and behavior doesn’t always have one simple explanation.
But observing how your dog likes to play, explore, and relax can help you find more ways to make everyday life enjoyable for both of you.
The Dog Who Never Tires of Fetch
For some dogs, seeing a ball is all it takes to start the fun.
Fetch combines running and play with interaction between you and your dog, which may be part of what makes it so appealing.
If fetch is a favorite in your house, you can add variety by changing where you play, using different dog-safe toys, or incorporating shorter play sessions throughout the day.
Pay attention to your dog’s enthusiasm and energy as you play, and give them opportunities to rest and drink when they need to.
The Dog Who Wants to Sniff Everything
If getting around the block takes twice as long because your dog needs to investigate every tree, mailbox, and patch of grass, the walk may be about much more than covering distance.
A dog’s sense of smell plays an important role in how they explore and gather information about their surroundings.¹
Giving your dog time to sniff can turn an ordinary walk into an opportunity to investigate what’s happening in their environment.
Sometimes there’s no need to hurry… Letting your dog stop and explore can be part of the experience.
The Backyard Digger
Digging can be frustrating when your dog chooses the middle of your lawn, but it’s also a natural behavior for dogs.²
Dogs may dig for different reasons, including creating a comfortable place to rest, burying objects, or simply because digging itself is enjoyable.
If your dog is an enthusiastic excavator, consider whether there’s an appropriate place where digging is allowed.
A designated digging area can give some dogs an outlet for the behavior while helping preserve the rest of the yard.
The Professional Cuddler
Not every dog wants to spend the day chasing balls or exploring the backyard.
Some seem happiest stretched out on the couch, sitting beside their favorite person, or settling in for a nap after a walk.
A preference for quieter activities can simply be part of an individual dog’s personality.
What’s more important is knowing what’s typical for your dog.
If something about your dog’s usual behavior changes and doesn’t seem quite right, it’s always a good idea to check in with your veterinarian.
The Dog Who Loves the Water
Some dogs can’t resist a lake, pool, sprinkler, or garden hose, while others would prefer to keep all four paws firmly on dry land.
If swimming is one of your dog’s favorite activities, look for safe opportunities to enjoy it together.
Always supervise dogs around water, make sure they have a safe way to enter and exit, and don’t assume every dog instinctively knows how to swim.³
And if your dog wants nothing to do with the water? That’s okay, too.
Finding activities your dog genuinely enjoys matters more than convincing them to do something they don’t.
The Dedicated Chewer
Chewing is normal for dogs and can be an enjoyable way to stay occupied.⁴
If your dog loves to chew, provide appropriately sized, dog-safe toys and regularly inspect them for damage.
Different dogs have different chewing styles, so choose toys that fit your dog’s size and habits.
Chewing household objects is another matter.
If your dog tends to chew things they shouldn’t, keeping tempting items out of reach and providing appropriate alternatives can help redirect that enthusiasm toward safer choices.
Your Dog’s Preferences Are Part of Who They Are
There isn’t one “right” way for a dog to have fun.
One dog may live for a game of fetch, while another would choose a leisurely, sniff-filled walk every time.
Some want adventure; others are perfectly content enjoying a quiet afternoon with their favorite person.
The more you notice what your dog enjoys, the easier it becomes to choose activities that fit their personality.
And sometimes, simply paying attention to those little preferences can help you appreciate the individual dog sharing your life.
Your Pets & Horses are our Priority!
At the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), our top priority is promoting the health and well-being of dogs, cats, and horses.
That is why we created the NASC quality programs and the NASC Quality Seal, which help you identify animal health and nutritional supplements from responsible suppliers committed to producing the highest-quality, most consistent products available.
Visit our website to learn more and to see a list of NASC members who have earned the Quality Seal.
References
- American Kennel Club. Dog Sniffing on Walks: The Importance of Letting Your Dog Sniff.
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Dog Behavior: What Is Normal?
- American Kennel Club. Can All Dogs Swim? How to Teach a Dog to Swim.
- VCA Animal Hospitals. Dog Behavior: What Is Normal?
