Nothing Cuter Than Jack Russell Puppies Playing

Often I sit in our front yard when the new puppies are about 4 – 6 weeks old and watch their first outing on the grass. There really is nothing cuter than watching the Jack Russell puppies playing

But why do they do they play? It turns out play has several functions, not just one. A new review, by Rebecca Sommerville (Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh) says that she considers four theories about why dogs play, and finds evidence in support of three of them. In the article below I have summarized three of the theories she explained in her article, in hopes that it will help you understand the importance of Jack Russell puppies playing.

Jack Russell Puppies Love Playing Video

Here Is The First Theory On Why Jack Russell Puppies Play

Play helps puppies learn motor skills.

When both puppies and full grown dogs play, they often chase each other, roll around on the ground, and play fight. Yesterday when I took the puppies who are still with their mom Ginger out to play in the family room they barked and growled at each other, a couple of them even play fought with each other. They were so adorable!

Puppies learn how hard they can bite from their playmates. Through these play activities, they are learning real skills relevant to how to move their bodies, acquire food, and defend themselves in fights. The scientists say this theory explains a lot of things about play, but is not the full story.

Here Is The Second Theory On Why Jack Russell Puppies Play

Play is training for unexpected things to happen.

It is through play that Jack Russell Terrier puppies know how to use their bodies when they get knocked off balance and how to cope when something surprising startles them.

According to this theory, changes in the brain and in hormone levels during play help dogs learn how to cope with real-life stressors. This theory explains the fact that dogs like new toys but are cautious of new things that aren’t toys. It also explains the way dogs self-handicap during play and put themselves at a disadvantage; this can be seen as practising behaviour they may need later on as a way to defuse real aggression. But again, this theory only explains some aspects of play.

Here Is The Third Theory On Why Jack Russell Puppies Play

Playfulness in puppies promotes social cohesion between dogs. Play helps dogs cooperate as a group, and is about building social relationships.

Jack Russell Terrier dogs prefer to play with people they know, and they are more likely to approach the winner of a game, but when they win a game against a person it does not lead to increased ‘dominance’.

• Play is about building cooperative relationships, not social rank.

The best way to understand how your Jack Russel Puppy loves to play … is through experience, play with him, give him fun and safe toys to enjoy, and plenty of love and affection.