In Play+, the Mental Pole refers to the cognitive and perceptual elements of the play interaction. It encompasses the dog’s understanding and anticipation of cues, their decision-making process, problem-solving skills, and attention focus. The handler’s role at the Mental Pole involves clear communication of cues, fostering of understanding, and management of challenge level to ensure it aligns with the dog’s skill set. Striking the right balance between the Mental and Physical Poles enables a play session that is both engaging and stimulating, leading to a more profound and beneficial play experience for both the dog and handler.