Should You Play Chase With Your Dog?

Dogs, just like children, have their own repertoire of favorite games they enjoy playing with one another, but tag in many cases will always hold a special place in their heart. You may have fun playing "it" as you chase Scruffy around the home and yard, but you're better off reversing the role and having Scruffy chase you.

  1. Playing with Fire

    • If you asked Scruffy's opinion, he would likely tell you how much he loves a game of chase. As fun as it may be to chase your dog and watch him scoot his furry butt around the house, consider that this game may backfire that day you need to catch your dog before he bolts toward a busy road. Never, ever chase your dog, and stop all games where you're in the role of "chaser," recommends the Washington Area Humane Society.

    Turning the Tables

    • A much preferable game is having Scruffy chase you, a game that may turn helpful in many scenarios. For instance, should you ever find yourself in a dire situation where you need to immediately get your dog, you have better chances of being successful catching him if you call his name and run in the opposite direction, rather than chasing him. Most dogs cannot resist chasing a fleeing person, especially when it's their pet parent, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

    As Nature Intended

    • The instinct to chase in dogs is natural for the simple fact that their chances for survival are based on their ability to chase prey. Teaching your dog to chase you is simple and may turn out helpful in many situations. To get this game started, you'll have to first get Scruffy's attention by acting silly, making a ̶0;kissy̶1; noise or clapping your hands. Then, once your dog looks your way, dart off quickly. The moment he reaches you, throw a party by praising and giving him a treat. Rinse and repeat.

    Rules of the Game

    • Having your dog chase you might sound like a good idea, but as with other games, it's important that Scruffy follows some rules. Some dogs may get overly excited, turning a game of ̶0;chase̶1; into a game of "chase and nip.̶1; In this case, it's best to stop the game and redirect the behavior by giving Scruffy a toy or a treat to focus on. If small children are involved, it's best to escort Scruffy to a safe place away from the action before the rowdy play starts. Make sure, though, that he gets something wonderful like a stuffed Kong so he doesn't feel like he's being punished.

    The Right Playmate

    • A game of chase isn't fun unless both parties are happy and willing to participate in the game. While many dogs are always ready for a game of tag, some dogs just won't budge no matter what. In this case, you're better off skipping this game and finding other games that stimulate him. The same protocol obviously applies to dogs who have orthopedic problems or who are recovering from an illness.