Play

It's important to maintain the mental health as well as the physical health of your dog.   Dogs need an avenue in which to play, exercise, and stimulate their minds.   Dogs should be given opportunities to play with and without their owners.
 
 

A blur of playing dogs (dogs are part of one familiar pack,  do not try with strange dogs)

Offering your Jindos toys can help stimulate the dog's mind and alleviate boredom.  It usually curbs any destructive behaviors that might form out of boredom.  During the times when you are not around, a durable kong can safely entertain some dogs.  Squeak toys and ropes are usually destroyed in 5 minutes or less so dogs should be supervised when playing with them.  I've noticed that my dogs prefer not to mouth anything made out of hard plastic such as frisbees and bustercubes.
 
 
 

BokSoon playing with the Ultra King Kong.

SooNee's favorite toy since puppyhood. Supervised, limited play made it last 7+ years.

 

The best type of play is one that allows you to interact with your dog and reinforce some obedience commands while having some fun.  I like the advice given on the old site "Who's the Boss?" site.   Basically, don't play "tug of war", "keep away",  or "chase"  as it could lead to the dog misunderstanding you.  Instead, play "fetch."  As the site said,

Fetch is the #1 dog game, and for good reason. It teaches the dog that it must do something {Retrieve that frisbee, ball or stick}, and then submit to your authority as Alpha by surrendering the item. And make your dog "do it right". I have known several dominant dogs who, upon being taught the basic elements of the game, would drop the item a few feet from the handler rather than waiting for the command to "drop it". Even if you never show your dog in obedience, or expect it to bring back a duck, you should insist on a correct retrieve.

Obedience, agility, and even a simple walk is a good way to bringing a little stimulation and challenge to your dogs.  Interacting with your dogs in whatever way also increases the bond between dog and owner.
 
 
 

Fetching & Retrieving
Kiva retrieving over a jump	HwangJae picking up a Jollyball	SooNee retrieving a basket

 
 

Hiking & Backpacking
Kiva

 

Sledding & Carting
Jindo Kiva with Alaskan Malamute Holly	Jindos Jinju & Kiva
Akitas Moxie, Awesome, and Jindo Woody

 

Agility and Lure-Coursing

Yuka Grrl lure-coursing photo by Amanda Putnam/Peter Koktavy