Playtime for Pooches Play is hard-wired into many creatures.  All primates play, as do dolphins, whales, horses, dogs and cats – just like humans.  For many animals, play is vital to physical and emotional well-being. Some researchers say play is preparation for adulthood.  Puppies and kittens play by wrestling, rolling around, pretending to fight, and by chasing toys and each other.  This play teaches them how hard to bite so they don’t hurt each other, as well as hunting or herding behaviors.  But play is more than that.  It also builds social skills.  Puppies playing with each other learn how to get along with one another, how to give and take.  Because puppies without siblings often develop behavior problems later in life, many dog breeders who find themselves with a singleton puppy litter will place that puppy with an adoptive mother dog that has several puppies.  Without the opportunities for play that are provided by siblings, singleton puppies never develop the social skills needed to cope with life with other dogs and people. Pet owners worry about veterinary care and wonder which food would be best.  They take their dog for walks and groom them on a regular basis.  But many pet owners forget about taking the time to play with their pet.  When you play with your dog or cat, you relax, breathe deeply, laugh, and let the stresses of the day disappear.  Playtime is also a great time to bond with your pet.  So forget about the housework and forget about the yard work and get to playing!