How to teach her to play??

[PupLuver]

Some of you know the story of my rescued little female longhaired Chi, Fredonia, and some don't. The thumbnail is that she's just over 2 yrs old and is a puppymill rescue. She was kept in a cage all her life until I got her, and knew NOTHING. I began working with her just like she was a puppy and also trying to help recondition her emotionally as best as I could.

It's just now been about 5 months and she's made INCREDIBLE progress! I'm SO proud of her.

But, one thing I haven't yet been able to work with her on is playing. She never learned to play with toys or chase a ball or understand any of that. I have made a "game" of the two of us running around the house and she just loves to do that...dashing with Mommy to some new spot is great fun to her, so she does seem to have a sense of play in that way. I've also started a bit of "peek-a-boo" gaming with her and she's got the concept now and so that's coming along.

Should I worry at all about teaching her to chase a ball or chew on a toy? Is it really necessary? Do you guys think it will come with time?

Her personality is very quiet...she's more a laid back pooch, so she's not hyper and running around and barking and being active all over the place...I'm wondering if the lack of desire to play is just her nature (as well as no exposure due to the puppy mill)?

Any insights or ideas are welcome! Thanks!

[rutylr]

It will come in time.
I also had a dog who was never allowed to play.When she had the chance to play with other dogs and toys she did not.It took a while but one day I saw her play.
I did not make a big deal out of it and she continued to play more.
It will come in time,if she wants.If not I would not worry much.Just injoy the improvements as they come.

[FairyDogMother]

Some dogs are not big on play time also. They'd rather spend that time cuddling. Chi's can be like that. Be patient, it will come and then Yeah or it will not but she will be getting the cuddle time she'd rather have with you.

[alimel]

So you want her to play do you? Careful, you may create a monster

When I adopted Buddy, our rescue Beagle, he was 3 yrs old. This was back in April. I suspected no one ever played with him or he never owned any toys because he did not know what to do with them. When I showed him a toy, he would run away with his tail between his legs.

Ok, fast forward 7 months...he is toy obsessed! This may sound silly, but my husband and I would play with his toys in front of him to show him it was fun. We also have another dog who lives for toys and he started to watch him play with his toys. Now Buddy loves his toys, he greets everyone at the door with a toy and I cannot keep up with picking toys up all over the house!

http://www.prodoggroomingsupplies.co...9&d=1195257147

[Moo]

I have taught Holly how to play (or reminded her.... prompted her inner playful spirit, if you will.)

I was hoping that if I taught her how to play with toys, she would focus on one and be less inclined to attack Kirby for whatever he has. It didn't work, but I did (re)teach her how to play, and she is always up for a game if I initiate it. It probably took me about two months. At first, she was interested in hoarding toys- not playing with them. And I think the fact that Kirby is a toy monger himself helped a little.

Now she tugs, retrieves, death shakes, and wrestles.