Playing together is a great opportunity for humans to bond with their beloved pets. Adding a sense of purpose to playtime can add to the trust they share, and strengthen the bond between them.

Being intentional with play early on can acclimatize your dog to different types of touch and make many activities easier in the future. Normalize touching areas like the mouth and paws while petting and cuddling your dog. Getting your pet used to these sorts of touches can make it much easier for vets and groomers to do their job.

The right kind of stimulation is also crucial for your dog. Engaging in meaningful, stimulating play can keep boredom at bay, entertain your dog and help with their mental health at the same time. Urban spaces don't always offer sprawling outdoor spaces, and entertaining your dog indoors can be a challenge. But, there are many ways to make playtime engaging indoors. 

Invest in some active toys for your dog to make playtime more challenging. For instance, give them food dispensing puzzle toys to keep them engaged, with the treats serving as rewards. You can also mix up their play toys from time to time, or try and teach them the names of their toys.

Get involved in the playtime of your dogs actively by trying out games like hide and seek together. Make your dog sit still (teach them if you haven't already), and then call out to them once you've hidden yourself. Encourage them when they find you, and reward them with a treat if you can. If you have the space, you can also get innovative and try to set up an obstacle course for your dog. This can be an interesting exercise for both you and your dog. It can enhance your puppy's spatial awareness and agility by making them jump over small targets or skirting through furniture. 

You can also bring your dog's sense of smell into play, and engage in scent work. A simple example of this would be hiding treats around the house and encouraging your dog to find them using their smell. You could also play a simple 'guess the hand' game. Keep a treat in one hand, and keep one empty and make your dog choose between them.

Obedience training is also a trust building activity between a dog and its human. You can make simple obedience training sessions a part of your pooch's daily routine. Be sure to train basic commands like sit-stay and call-recall at least 5-10 minutes a day. You can also gamify these activities by adding incentives like treats and cuddles. You can also try and teach them new tricks or commands from time to time. 

Don't forget to give your dog adequate rest amongst all the play, and try to spend some peaceful time with them as well. Snuggle up together on your couch, or even try napping together. Creating a safe space in your home, free from human interference, can also be a great way to give your dog some much needed relaxation time. Striking the right bal