Playing with puppies is not as easy as it sounds. You need to know a couple of things in order to make playing effective, fun, and also the same. How to play with puppies? Well, below we have a couple of points you need to keep in mind and each one is important. These will help you understand the whole matter in detail and also make your puppy love you more.
How To Play With Puppies
Choose The Best Time When You Can Play
A common mistake is playing with your puppy as soon as he is done eating. If you want to do it properly you need to wait at least 60 minutes after a meal to play. You need to wait 90 minutes if you want to play rough. How to play with puppies? The first thing here is to know when you should play.
Ideally, you will choose a period when your puppy is loaded with energy and when he wants to play for a long time. If your child wants to play as well, make sure you keep your eye on them and make sure they play in a safe manner.
If you play with a puppy as soon as he is done eating, he can develop certain issues. One of them is an upset stomach. Some puppies will even develop gastric torsion. It is when the stomach twists and it is a life-threatening condition.
Determine What Your Puppy Wants To Play
This can be a bit complicated thing to determine. You need to find what your puppy likes. Not all puppies love the same thing, hence you need to understand him more. Some dogs will want to sniff around and look for things. Others will want to chew things while some will want to run and hunt.
Monitor your puppy first. If he likes to sniff around and search for things, you should play this with him. The goal is to make playtime ideal and suitable for your specific puppy.
Try To Train Him During Play Time
This is an effective tip and one that will help your puppy understand basic commands more. You can throw him a ball and try to teach him ‘’give’’ command. You can use a clicker as well. Click just before you want to throw a ball. Give the ‘’sit’’ command and then click when he actually sits.
There are all sorts of games that can help your puppy understand you more and also learn a few things. The main mission is to help him understand that he will get a reward when he obeys you. The reward can be a treat, petting him, or something that he likes.
End before Your Puppy Gets Too Tired
Now you will want to know when to stop playing. Ideally, you would stop before he is too tired that he cannot play anymore. All puppies have growing bones and ligaments. If you play with him too hard and too long, you can cause issues with the joints that can be severe. All you need to know is that you should stop playing when your puppy still has some energy left. Don’t try to force him to play much longer than he should.
Playing Is Important
Some dog owners believe that playing with their puppies is just a way to have fun together. There are no benefits or perks of any kind. This is not true. As a matter of fact, playing with your puppy is an ideal way to tell what your puppy likes, and what he hates, and also to socialize with him.
Owners who have been playing with their puppies know that later in life these dogs have an easier time adjusting, adopting new dogs and new people. At the same time, this will give your puppy a lot of physical activity and a lot of a great time. It provides mental stimulation as well.
Best Games To Play With Your Puppy
There are countless games you can play with a puppy. But, some are better and more beneficial than others. Below we are going to reveal a couple of them that are just ideal.
Fetch
This game can be appealing but can be difficult to play with young puppies. Tell him to sit and throw a ball. Allow him to go and bring the ball back to you. Use commands like ‘’get it’’, ‘’wait’’, ‘’fetch’’ and similar while playing. This is one of the best ways to teach your dog a few things and commands. Don’t throw the ball too far. Your puppy is still small so he will prefer short distances at least at the beginning.
Hide And Seek
You can play hide and seek with your puppy. Show him a treat and then give him the command ‘’sit’’. Now you will go and hide. Call him and ask him to find you. Once he finds you (he will) give him the treat. This game can be perfect for puppies who like to search for things and people. Some dog breeds have predispositions for this.
Tug Of War
This is one of the oldest games and the one that most puppies like and many dog owners want to play. Keep in mind that you must use a proper toy for this. If you use a towel or something similar, he may understand that he can play with these items all day long. Be extremely careful when playing with puppies under 1 year of age. They have soft spots located on the head which can be sensitive. Also, don’t pull too hard in order not to damage his teeth.
The Final Word
In the lack of a better word, playing with puppies is extremely important and beneficial. It is something all of you who have puppies should do. How to play with puppies? Now you know all the main points and all the games that are a clever choice. Try to play all of these if possible. Your puppy will appreciate it now and you will appreciate it later in his life.
10 FAQs Related to Playing with Puppies
How long should I play with my puppy each day?
Typically, puppies have a lot of energy and could play for hours if allowed. However, a good rule of thumb is to play five minutes for each month of your puppy’s age, up to twice a day.
What are some safe toys I can get for my puppy to play with?
Chew toys, soft balls, and puzzle toys are all safe options for puppies. Make sure any toy you choose is appropriate for your puppy’s size and age.
How can I teach my puppy to play nicely with other dogs?
Start by socializing your puppy with other dogs at an early age. It’s also important to monitor these play sessions and intervene if play becomes too rough or if your puppy shows signs of aggression.
Is tug-of-war a safe game to play with my puppy?
Yes, as long as it’s played correctly. Tug-of-war can teach a puppy self-control and give them a good workout. However, make sure you are always in control of the game and that it doesn’t encourage aggressive behavior.
What should I do if my puppy is biting while playing?
If your puppy is biting during play, it’s important to teach them that this is not acceptable behavior. You can do this by immediately stopping play when your puppy bites and not resuming until they’ve calmed down.
How can I ensure my puppy is getting enough rest?
Puppies need a lot of sleep, usually around 15-20 hours a day. Make sure your puppy has a comfortable, quiet place to rest and that playtime is balanced with plenty of downtime.
Can I play fetch with my puppy?
Yes, fetch is a great game to play with your puppy. It’s a good form of exercise and can help teach your puppy to follow commands. Make sure to use a ball that is appropriate for your puppy’s size.
How can I tell if my puppy is tired from playing?
Puppies can sometimes get overexcited and not realize they are tired. Signs that your puppy may need a break from play include slowing down, losing interest in the game, panting heavily, or lying down.
Should I let my puppy win at games?
Letting your puppy win at games occasionally can boost their confidence. However, it’s also important to teach them that they can’t always win, to prevent them from becoming overly dominant.
How do I stop my puppy from chewing on toys too much?
If your puppy is chewing excessively on toys, they might be teething or need more mental stimulation. Try providing chew toys specifically designed for teething puppies or increasing the time spent on interactive play and training.
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