A study published in the Royal Society Open Science reveals that spending just 10 minutes a day engaging in interactive play can significantly strengthen the bond between dog owners and their pets. Researchers observed dog owners over four weeks and found that short daily play sessions, particularly those involving back-and-forth engagement like tug-of-war or chasing, were more effective in enhancing emotional closeness than routine training sessions. Co-author Lina Roth, a sensory biologist at Linköping University in Sweden, noted that many dogs, especially rescue animals, change homes mid-life, which can hinder early bonding opportunities. The study involved dog owners completing questionnaires about their relationships with their pets and being divided into groups focusing on increased playtime, reward-based training, or maintaining routine behaviors. While structured training helped dogs learn new skills, it did not foster emotional closeness as effectively as play. The findings suggest that even unfamiliar dogs and new owners can develop strong bonds through regular play, highlighting the importance of genuine two-way engagement in building relationships.