How to Make Your Lazy Dog Play

Dogs as a rule are social and playful creatures. If you have a dog that's sleeping all the time or seems lazy, it's important that you get your dog some exercise and make sure that it's all right. What looks like laziness to the untrained eye could, theoretically, be a health concern that owners should be aware of as soon as possible so it can be corrected.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog toys (stick, ball)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check your dog's laziness to be sure it isn't a health problem. Anemia, induced by a range of factors from fleas to a lack of iron in the diet, as well as gastrointestinal infection, general sickness and nutrition deficiency, can result in a dog becoming lazy. If your dog is usually peppy or playful and it suddenly becomes lethargic and lazy, take it to the veterinarian for an examination.

    • 2

      Get your dog excited. Whether it's bringing out a favorite toy, offering a treat or just putting excitement into your voice and movements, you should get your dog interested in playing. If you display excitement, then it will make your dog excited as well.

    • 3

      Take your dog to a designated play area. Whether it's your backyard, the park down the street or even an indoor dog park, if you have a place that your dog understands is for playing, then your dog will understand why it's there and play more readily. Additionally, if there are other animals there, it could make your dog more interested in playing.

    • 4

      Play a game with your dog. Whether you go jogging with your dog, you play fetch, go through agility exercises or you just run around to burn off excess energy, any form of play that engages you and your dog helps to build camaraderie and communication between the two of you. It will also help you figure out which game your dog likes best, and it can be used as a way to shake future torpor.