Play Improves Behaviour: Playing with your dog.

The Play Bow is an Invitation. Say, Yes!

You know that moment when you're teaching your dog something—like not jumping on guests—and they suddenly drop into a play bow and try to turn the whole thing into a game? Your first instinct might be to think, "Focus! We're learning here!"

But here's what scientists have discovered: your dog isn't being stubborn or silly. They're showing you that play improves behaviour.

Your Dog's Brain Has a Superpower

When dogs play after learning something new, their brains release a cocktail of feel-good chemicals that work like mental super-glue³. These chemicals help lock in memories and make learning stick better than any amount of repetition or treats ever could.

Think of it like this: if regular training is like writing in pencil, play is like using a permanent marker. Recent studies show that dogs who play for just 30 minutes (even 5 minutes makes a difference!) after a learning session remember what they learned way better than dogs who stop and rest⁴. Improvements that last for months, not just days.

Your dog already knows this instinctively. That's why they often get extra playful after figuring something out, or why they seem to "get it" better during fun, relaxed sessions than during serious training time.

When "Bad" Behaviour Is Smart Behaviour.

What happens when your dog changes the rules mid-game? You're playing fetch, but suddenly they're running circles around you instead of bringing the ball back. Or you start a tug game, and they decide to grab your sleeve and start a wrestling match instead.

Your dog isn't being disobedient—they're being creative. In those moments, they're practising some of the most important life skills they'll ever need:

• Reading your emotions: Is this new game making you laugh or getting you frustrated?

• Problem-solving: If the old game got boring, what would be more fun?

• Adapting to change: Life rarely goes according to plan, so flexibility is crucial

• Self-control: Knowing when to dial up the energy and when to calm down

These are the same skills that help them navigate everything from meeting new dogs to handling changes in your daily routine. And they develop naturally through play—no training required.

Different Dogs, Different Games, Same Benefits

Not all dogs play the same way, and that's not just personality—it's actually hardwired into how their brains work. Understanding your dog's "play style" can help you give them the kind of fun that really lights up their mind.

If you have a herding breed (Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Corgis), you might notice they love games that involve movement and strategy. They might "herd" balls, enjoy obstacle courses, or turn their walks into a game of "manage the environment." They are not being controlling (although it looks like it!) —it's their brain practicing complex thinking skills.

Bully breeds  (Bulldogs, Pit Bulls, Boston Terriers) often love contact play—wrestling, tug-of-war, and games that involve friendly physical competition. This is not aggression; it's how they explore relationships, their own proprioception (how they move their bodies in space) and to learn about boundaries. They're naturally a little goofy and often use physical humour to connect with their people.

Terriers bred to be independant hunters, typically prefer games with quick action and lots of decisions. They might love hide-and-seek, chase games, or activities where they can "hunt" toys. They thrive on fast-paced problem-solving and high-energy interactions.

Retrievers and sporting breeds usually excel at cooperative games—fetch, of course, but also games that involve taking turns, following your lead, and working together. They're team players who love making their humans happy.

Working breeds (Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans) often enjoy games that combine physical challenges with mental puzzles. They might love learning new tricks through play or games that let them use their strength and intelligence together.

Remember: these are starting points, not rules. Your Chihuahua might be obsessed with fetch, while your Golden Retriever might prefer tug-of-war. Follow your dog's lead as to what they might enjoy—they know what their brain needs.

The Magic Happens When You Stop Trying So Hard

Many of us get it this bit wrong: we think learning has to look serious to be effective. We worry that if our dog is having "too much fun," they're not really learning anything important.

Research actually shows the opposite is true⁵. Dogs learn faster, and retain information longer when they're in a positive, playful state. The stress hormones that come with overly serious training can interfere with memory formation, while the happy hormones released during play improve memory⁶.

This doesn't mean abandoning all structure—dogs still need boundaries and clear communication. It means the best learning often happens in the space between structure and freedom, where dogs can take what you've taught them and experiment with it in their own way.

Play Improves Behaviour In Real Life

How do you use this information in your daily life with your dog?

After any learning moment, let them decompress through play. Just taught them not to jump on your neighbour? Great! Now let them choose what happens next—whether that's a game of chase in the backyard or a sniff around the yard. Their brain will use that fun time to process what just happened. Or want them to know how to 'wait'? Play a Find it game where they wait while you hide the treats. They are learning to wait which you can apply to other situations and it looks like a game!

Say yes to your dog offering changes to games. When your dog invents strange new rules or combines different activities in unexpected ways, try going with it instead of redirecting. You're playing fetch and your dog holds onto the ball, yes, they may be tired or they want you to chase them! Instead run around with them. You might discover something amazing about how their mind works.

Follow their energy. Some dogs need high-energy play to process learning, while others prefer calm, gentle interactions. Watch your dog's signals and match their preferred style.

Don't worry about looking silly. The neighbour might think you're weird when you're army-crawling around your garden playing hide-and-seek with your dog, but your dog's brain is building connections that will serve them for life. Any game you play that your dog enjoys will be fulfilling a natural need and calmer more receptive behaviour is invariably the result.

Trust the process. Your dog has millions of years of evolution telling them how to learn effectively and what they need both genetically and for their well being. When we create space for natural play and some choice, we're not being permissive—we're teaching our dog how to live with us, it's smart.

Why This Matters for Your Life Together

When we embrace play as learning, we're helping our dogs develop better skills and building a relationship based on trust, communication, and mutual enjoyment. Dogs who feel heard and understood in their play are more likely to listen and cooperate in other areas of life.

Think about it: would you rather learn from someone who makes everything feel like a test, or someone who makes learning fun? Your dog feels the same.

Your dog doesn't need expensive classes, complicated training protocols, or perfect technique. They need a human who's willing to be empathetic to their POV and simply play.

Every time you get down on the floor for a game of tug, chase them around the backyard, or let them turn your evening walk into an adventure, you're not just having fun—you're supporting one of nature's learning systems.

Your dog knows how to do this. All they need is for you to trust them enough to follow their lead.

References: 3. When dogs engage in play after learning, their brains release neurochemicals including dopamine, serotonin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which literally rewire neural pathways and strengthen memory connections. 4. Studies demonstrate that 30 minutes of post-learning play improves re-training performance with effects lasting up to one year after initial task acquisition. 5. Modern fMRI studies show that dogs can form stimulus-reward associations in as little as 22 trials, and the quality of those associations is significantly enhanced when learning occurs in positive, engaging contexts. 6. The beneficial memory effects come from beta adrenergic activation and the release of hormones that enhance memory consolidation during emotional/arousing situations.