Preventing Rough Play in Pets
Both cats and dogs of all ages, most especially kittens and puppies, need play to develop their social skills and release energy. By teaching your pet correct play time manners and encouraging regular play, you will help your pet become a happier animal.
- Never use your hands or feet to play with your animal. This inadvertently teaches them that it is okay to bite hands and feet. While adorable little puppy and kitten bites are sweet in the beginning, as they grow they will become more painful and a risk of causing actual injury.
- If your pet tries to play with your hands or feet, go limp and loudly say “Ouch!”. Immediately follow this with pulling out an interactive toy and initiate play using the toy. This eventually teaches the animal that toys are more fun to play with than hands or feet.
- Interactive toys are important for all species for mental stimulation and bonding time.
- Provide a variety of toys designed for your pet’s age, size, and species. This helps keep them mentally stimulated and active. However, always use the toys to play with your pet instead of expecting them to automatically start playing with the toys by themselves. Rotate the toys you use with your pet to keep the toys new and exciting.
- Never wrestle with your dog or puppy. This can lead to injury for both you and your dog/puppy, and teach your dog bad habits of playing with their mouths. Again, this can lead to painful bites and injury.