Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Prepare to play
• Part 2 of 2: Choosing games

Playing with a puppy may sound easy, but it can go wrong in many ways. If you are not careful, you can play with the creature for too long or be too rough with your puppy, provoking aggression and causing irritation. So better prepare for playing with your puppy to avoid behavioral issues such as growling or biting. With a little preparation, you can play all kinds of games with your dog to socialize the puppy and bond with him or her.

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Part 1 of 2: Prepare to play

1. Pick a good time to play. Play with your puppy at a time when the animal is full of energy and has not just eaten. Wait at least an hour after the meal with gentle games and an hour and a half for slightly rougher games. Failure to do so could cause your puppy to develop stomach pain or even develop a life-threatening condition (gastric torsion) in which the stomach tilts and becomes obstructed from the intestines and esophagus.
   • Always have an adult with you when young children play with your puppy. It can sometimes happen that puppies do not understand the difference between playing and teasing. If a dog gets frustrated, it could bite someone's fingers out of confusion.
2. Pay close attention to what your puppy likes and doesn't like. Different puppies like different things. Some dogs like to run around and chase balls, while others prefer to follow a scent trail. Keep a close eye on your puppy to find out what he likes. You can take this into account while playing.
   • If your puppy is constantly sniffing around, he will probably enjoy following scent trails. If the animal just stays put when you throw a ball, it probably doesn't like fetching.
3. Train your puppy while playing. Add simple commands to games. For example, if your dog chases a ball and then returns it, you can teach it the "go" command. This way the animal learns to let go of the ball so that you can throw it again. Once your dog realizes that he is being rewarded with games, you can also teach him to "sit" and "stay" more easily. You can also use a clicker while playing. For example, click just before you throw the ball or when you want him to perform a command. This way your dog learns to associate the clicking sound with a reward (namely the fetch game).
   • There are several ways to reward a dog, so you don't have to keep giving him treats. For example, after learning a new command, play with the ball for a while or give the dog some other attention.
4. Make sure you stop playing in time. Puppies are often full of energy, so you could almost forget that they too can become overtired. A puppy is still in the process of growing and the joints and bones of the animal are often not yet optimally connected to each other. If the animal becomes overtired, it can also prevent it from moving in a strange way. Therefore, make sure you do not continue playing for too long or take a break after a while.
   • When you stop playing, make sure your puppy has some energy left. Overtired puppies sometimes become grumpy, causing them to display irritated behavior.
5. Know the benefits of playing. While play is often seen as a perk, it is in fact an important way to socialize your dog. Dogs who can play well and know the necessary basic commands are easier to get along with and behave more sociably. By playing, you get to know your dog and his personality better. You will also find out what your dog likes or dislikes and what your dog is afraid of.
   • Playing not only builds a bond with your puppy, it also gives both of you the necessary exercise. Playing is also a good way to mentally stimulate your dog.

Part 2 of 2: Choosing games

1. Play pulling rope. Use a rope or rubber toy suitable for play and no other items such as shoes or towels. If you do use something that isn't a toy, your puppy will start to think that everything is a toy. Gently pull on the toy, because if you use too hard, you can damage your dog's teeth. If your puppy is under a year old, you will need to be a little more careful anyway. Just like babies, puppies have soft spots on the head that are very fragile.
   • Some people think that pulling a string can make a puppy very possessive. It is therefore wise not to play this game with larger guard dogs. Their enormous physical strength and natural protective instinct can cause them to become dominant more quickly.
   • Nervous dogs can really benefit from pulling a string. Especially if you let your puppy win every now and then, this can give them that little bit of extra confidence.
2. Play hide and seek. Give your puppy the commands "sit" and "stay". Then show him a piece of candy and hide somewhere in the house. As soon as you are hidden, start calling out your puppy's name. He should come looking for you now. This game teaches your puppy to come to you when you call his name and how to find you without seeing you. In addition, it is a good way to get the puppy to follow a scent trail.
   • If your puppy has trouble with the "stay" command, say "wait" every now and then while you hide.
3. Play a fetch game. Show your puppy a ball or other toy and give the command "sit" or "wait". Then throw the toy away and encourage the puppy to go get it and bring it back to you. Try to encourage your dog enthusiastically by shouting "find" or "get the ball", for example, and reward him extensively if he succeeds. End the game at a point when your dog is still enjoying it. That way you clearly show who is in charge.
   • Fetch games are a great way to teach your puppy to let go. This can come in handy in a variety of situations. Once your puppy has the toy in its mouth, you can reward it by responding enthusiastically. Use the command "release" when he lets go of the toy and then give him a treat.
   • Avoid using sticks for fetch games. Your puppy could trip over this and suffer painful injuries.
4. Teach your dog tricks. Once your puppy has mastered the basic commands, you can teach him other tricks such as rolling over or lying dead. Practice this for 10 minutes every day and reward your dog for the correct behavior. A good way to do this is to show your puppy what you want from him first. For example, lift his front paw and put it in your hand if you want to teach the dog to paw. Reward the puppy when he shows the correct behavior at the command "paw" with a treat.
   • Tricks are a good way to train your dog's memory and also create a bond between the dog and the owner. Do not practice tricks for too long, but repeat them regularly for a few minutes and reward the dog for good behavior.
   • You can also train your dog's memory by, for example, teaching him where his toys are and where his basket is. Another idea is to hide something and give your dog the command "find".