For pups, kittens and other young animals play is not just about having fun. By playing together as pups, dogs learn social and hunting skills. They become physically dexterous, adroit at ambush, chase and tackle. Young sheep dogs can be seen practising “herding” chickens (or even small children) in the farmyard, before they begin their formal training as working dogs.

Adult dogs continue their playful activity to preserve their social relationships and simply to have fun. There are dogs that are so scared of canine social activity that they will bite, or bolt, out of fear. However, most dogs like to play with other dogs, especially if they are relatively young.

When a new dog is introduced to resident dogs, there may be a few days of cautious behaviour. The newcomer will have to learn her place in the pack: who naps on this step, who lies on that mat. Only then will she be invited to play by the other dogs, who take up the universal play stance. They slide their front paws forward and lower their heads while holding their tails high. They dance around the newcomer and repeat the invitation until she responds and, hopefully, joins in the fun.

Dogs like playing with toys too. These can be hard rubber or rawhide “bones” from the pet shop. Alternatively, a small plastic water bottle makes a great home made toy as do empty coconut husks. Just make sure that the toys are too large to swallow.