Even today, in dog training, I see a great difficulty in truly appreciating the importance of play.
We still focus too much on rigid patterns, “obligations,” restrictions, and deprivations… when instead, play could provide a huge boost to learning and relationships.
Play is not a reward: it is a learning tool.
The most recent scientific research confirms that integrating play into training:
Increases motivation and attention
Reduces stress
Improves the quality of learning
Strengthens the dog-human relationship
Recent studies show that social play around training can facilitate the consolidation of certain skills in novice dogs (Animals, 2025 – DOI: 10.3390/ani15101378).
And the most up-to-date reviews of training methods highlight that food, praise, and play are the most effective and ethical reinforcers (Learning & Behavior, 2024/25 – DOI: 10.3758/s13420-024-00642-x).
A dog that plays is a dog that learns better.
Play is not an “extra”: it is part of the educational process.

The drawing shows a post-play moment from 11 years ago