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Play is a widespread feature of social animals. Humans play. Dogs play. Amy Cook, PhD, specializes in working with shy and fearful dogs. Drawing from play therapy used with traumatized children, Cook developed Play Way to help dogs overcome their issues and to live happier, less-stressed lives.
In my system, the dog leads most of the play. I may not prod or nag or insist. I may only invite. If the dog responds with, ‘Yeah, I’d love to do that,’ then great. If the dog says, ‘No thank you. I’m busy. I’m sniffing. I’m looking at something,’ that’s okay, too.” – Amy Cook, PhD
Giving the dog equal footing in the decision-making process is just one key aspect of the Play Way and one of the most difficult aspects for the dog owner or trainer to master.
Source: Whole Dog Journal, June 18, 2020. Link. Many trainers turn to classical counterconditioning to help rewire how the dog’s brain reacts to scary things. Cook’s method follows more of a human therapeutic model. An aspect of play therapy that is less commonly seen in other dog training methodologies is being present, sensitive and respectful of the dog’s needs.
What matters most is that the human acknowledges and adopts the conversational nature of how dogs play with each other, rather than seek to drive and control the play interaction.”
INSIGHTS: Cook’s approach is fascinating and applicable to more than just fearful or shy dogs. Plus, approaching a committed time frame to playing with a dog is fun.
Also see: Cooperative care: Giving your dog choice and control, Whole Dog Journal, January 20, 2021. Link.
Cooperative care involves training an animal to not only tolerate handling and husbandry procedures, but also to be an active, willing participant in these experiences.