Puppies love games with toys and you will find that this bonding opportunity is not only emotionally rewarding for you and your puppy but can be lots of fun as well! Welcome to the do’s and don’ts of playing with your puppy from my discoveries of many years raising many different breeds of puppies.
Our puppies need to be taught by us how to play within the boundaries you set, so this shaping early on will reap its rewards as your puppy matures.
Puppies are like us, the more knowledge we have, the more we understand. Every interaction with your dog teaches him or her something, even if it is not to bite so hard with those baby teeth. Just say ouch quite quickly and firmly if this occurs and stop playing with your puppy.
Littermates when the puppies are growing together, if one of the puppies bites another litter mate too hard, they yelp, and move away from the offending puppy.
Do consider your choice of games! When playing together we want to foster behaviours and attitudes that will and should prepare your puppy to be a well-mannered adult.
This makes further dog training a breeze!
Please be mindful and do not over-stimulate your puppy when you are both playing interactive games. You need to be aware that play from you, could be misinterpreted by your puppy as teasing, or even that you are challenging your puppy.
Remember your clothes are not part of any games with your puppy and it is best not to chase your dog, otherwise, this makes your puppy think this is a great game or they may become unsettled.
Play gentle and fun games with your puppy, please refrain from any rough games, especially with those dogs who are from the guarding lines.
These are the do’s and don’ts of playing with your puppy that I have in place over many years.
If your puppy comes to you for constant attention, it is best not to respond to this request. Your puppy will make a habit of this, and will expect you to respond each and every time he or she comes near you.
You are your puppy’s trusted leader, it is best to respond to this attention on your terms, not on your puppy’s terms.
Choose the most suitable toys for your puppy when you are selecting chew toys and interactive toys. Be selective about squeaky toys, tug toys, and balls as being suitable for your particular puppy. You can help your puppy to understand that these are acceptable choices, and the toys that you and he or she will play with together.
Pay attention to the tone of your voice when interacting with your puppy. High-pitched, squeaky tones can trigger excitement, while firm, low tones encourage attention. You will learn to judge when and how to use your voice.
Be mindful of your body language during playtime and when establishing authority and avoid hovering postures that may encourage jumping and nipping, instead maintain a tall posture and eye contact to demonstrate leadership.
Exercise control over access to the interactive toys and let your puppy know when playtime begins and when it ends, these decisions are yours.
Begin calmly with all games with your puppy and use these opportunities to teach important cues such as recall, fetch, sit, leave it, and drop it or give.
The above are the do’s and don’ts of playing with your puppy that I have found to work. My dogs as they mature, always respect and love me. They are my trusted companions and this is what I want for you.
I cherish the bond I have developed with my dogs, it is so worth every second of helping to shape them into being some of my best mates in life.
Until next time…
