Developing a healthy routine for you and your dog to play together is just as important as any other aspect of training. Playing a game of fetch or having a tug of war can be the most fun activity you could engage in. However, it's important to make sure that your dog respects your relationship while in such an excited state. This can also be a great time to take advantage of training techniques and provide your dog a chance to have fun while you continue to reinforce your position as the leader.
The main idea to focus on is to make sure you have control throughout the play session with your dog. When you use keywords with your dog, like "let's go play", it's okay if they get excited but I would avoid anything over-zealous and getting them too wound up before you head out. The same as when you go for your daily walk, you want to leave the house with your dog paying attention to you and focusing on your commands. A good place to start is by having them sit while they wait for you to get ready. If you have a walk ahead of you rather than going to the backyard, leash your dog and keep them walking nice and easy on the way, correcting any over excited behavior.
Once you're ready to start a game, for example, a game of frisbee, have your dog sit again to start off with them listening well. Let your dog stand up and get ready to let loose! When you play a game like fetch, be sure that your dog brings back the toy and gives it on command. Like any other training, this could take some time and effort but once you get them going it'll be like clockwork. It's okay to use treats to reinforce good behavior in this routine, and after a nice play session too. You want to avoid letting your dog develop unwanted behavior like running away with the toy when you call for them to bring it back. It may be funny or cute at the time but you don't want your dog to ignore you when you're calling them for a good reason, like to keep them out of harm's way. The commands I use for my own dog in a routine game of frisbee are usually "ready", and she'll sit. After I throw, "bring it here", and when she comes back with it "give". I always like to keep her following along, when I can see she's slowing down or needs a rest I tell her " take a rest". It's good to teach a command for taking a break, when a dog's having that much fun they can easily over-exert themselves (always have some water on hand).
Considering a game like tug of war, it's especially important that you keep mental control over the game. It can be a lot of fun to wrestle your dog for a favorite toy, and quite a challenge if you have a large breed, but you have to make sure that your dog doesn't become aggressive over their possessions. You should be able to stop and have your dog give that toy at any time. I've had a few issues with my dog over some particular toys. We have one that she would always want to pull with, even if I wanted to take her out to fetch it. It took a quite a while before I could fully establish that toy as one she has to give me whenever I ask. Remember that playtime is ultimately meant for you and your dog to have some fun together, but you should always be in charge. The minute that your dog claims control over a simple game, they will gain more confidence in challenging your role as the leader. It's up to you to lead your dog through a healthy and happy lifestyle!

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