Puppy Games: 5 Fun Games to Play With Your Puppy
- Anja Boecker
- Updated: 2023-09-15
Nothing pleases a dog owner more than the arrival of a new furry family member. In order for your puppy to grow up in the best possible way, there are a few things you need to keep in mind, not only when raising him, but also when playing with him. This article will help you.
When your little puppy looks up at you with his loyal, curious eyes, you feel an irresistible urge to play with him and show him the world, don't you?
Puppies are bundles of energy, curious and playful. During the first few months of their lives, it is important to guide their play instincts and allow them to learn through play.
But which game is best? And how can you safely and effectively keep your puppy occupied and stimulated both physically and mentally?
In this article, we'll take you on a playful journey through the wonderful world of puppy play. Dive in with us and learn how the right games can help your puppy grow into a happy and healthy dog!
Feeding, training and potty training outside are the biggest challenges. Many dog owners wonder what activities they can do with their little furry friend.
There are a few things to keep in mind when playing with puppies: For example, a puppy's mouth is still growing, and the teeth are not fully formed. Their joints are also still developing. Therefore, not all games you can play with adult dogs are appropriate for puppies.
5 Advantages of Puppy Games
Exercise is the be-all and end-all of your relationship with your dog. Adult and puppy dogs need daily exercise. Puppy games encourage this exercise and have other benefits as well. You don't want to deprive your dog of this.
#1. Encourage Social Behavior
Dogs are pack animals by nature. Their world is governed by different rules and principles than the human-dog relationship. The instincts of your little darling must not be lost. Please do not anthropomorphize him, either consciously or unconsciously.
Your relationship should also be built on a good foundation. It should be based on trust and mutual respect. Puppy play encourages social behavior toward people and other puppies.
#2. Communication Between Dog and Human
Especially in the first few years of your dog's life, communication between you and your pet is not very developed. This is natural because you are two different species.
Although dogs have been companions to us bipeds for thousands of years, they have retained their animalistic behaviors. Puppy games can help to adapt, encourage and, if necessary, improve communication between you.
#3. Strengthen the Body
Puppy games exercise your puppy's young body. This contributes to optimal muscle development and coordination. In this article, we will look at the right puppy games. Especially with these physically demanding games and activities, you want to make sure they are appropriate for puppies.
#4. Increase Intelligence
Puppy games help develop your puppy's intelligence. These games teach your puppy how to sneak up on things. He will also learn to chase and catch his prey. Self-defense is also taught with the right puppy games.
#5. Sensitization
If you regularly play puppy games with your protégé, you will also be working with him on his sensitivity. This will help him learn when to hold back and when not to. Very young puppies, in particular, are not yet in control and do not know how hard they can bite. This is where puppy games can help train the biting reflex.
5 Ideal Games for Your Puppy
Make sure the games are appropriate for your dog's age. Games designed for a different age can affect your pet's physical and mental health.
The most common puppy games are:
- Fight
- Tug of war
- Retrieval games
- Sniffing games
- Brain games
1. Playful Fighting
Through play, the puppy learns to test and respect boundaries. Mental development and social behavior toward people and other dogs are learned, encouraged, and reinforced.
A popular puppy game for playful fighting is called the scuffling game. Owner and puppy fight with the help of an object. This sets clear boundaries for pack leadership. You can let your puppy take the lead occasionally. But not too often, or he will try to dominate you.
2. Tug-Of-War
Tug-of-war is not only fun, but a great way to build trust with your puppy.
- Accessories: Tug Rope, Plush Toys
- Procedure: Show the tug toy to your puppy and encourage him to play with it.
Let him win to boost his confidence.
Don't bore your puppy by never letting him win the game. But don't show him that he can do anything with you. Dogs are very sensitive animals and will immediately sense a chance to take over the pack. This danger lurks in puppies as well.
If your puppy becomes "uncomfortable," stop playing immediately. Loud barking and other aggressive behaviors are taboo. Teach your puppy this as well.
3. Retrieval Games
For puppies that are always on the go, playtime is a must.
- Accessories: Balls, tunnels, obstacle course
- Procedure: Set up a small obstacle course and guide your puppy through it.
Play ball with your puppy and praise him when he returns the ball.
Fetch is one of the most popular games for dogs. Not only puppies love this game. Adult dogs also enjoy it. Fetch is a synonym for the word "bring". This is the most important part of the game: the dog brings an object. Most often this is a bone. After throwing the bone, the puppy retrieves it.
Retrieving is a natural instinct for many dogs, but there are breeds that are known to be more or less fond of retrieving because of their breeding history. Below are some breeds that generally like to retrieve and others that do not:
Breeds That Like to Fetch
- Labrador Retriever: Labrador Retrievers are known to be excellent retrievers and will retrieve with enthusiasm.
- Golden Retriever: Similar to Labradors, Golden Retrievers are natural retrievers who do this with great joy and enthusiasm.
- Cocker Spaniel: This breed loves to retrieve balls and other objects and was once used to hunt birds.
- Flat-Coated Retriever: This breed is known for its retrieving abilities both in the water and on land.
- Border Collie: Although known primarily as herding dogs, they love games that require physical and mental activity, including retrieving.
Breeds That Are Less Likely to Retrieve:
- Basset Hound: This breed is more focused on tracking and following and shows less interest in retrieving.
- Shih Tzu: Bred as companion dogs, they tend to be less interested in active play such as retrieving.
- Bulldog: Because of their physique, they often have difficulty retrieving objects over long distances.
- Chow-Chow: This breed is known for its independence and shows less interest in activities such as retrieving.
- Afghan Hound: This breed is more focused on speed and hunting and shows less interest in retrieving.
Note that the propensity to retrieve can be highly dependent on the individual's personality and upbringing. Even if a breed does not like retrieving in general, there may be individuals who love the activity and vice versa. It is always good to try different activities to find out what the dog likes best.
Another tip: With this puppy game the puppy can learn the command "sit". It is very easy to learn. Before you throw the toy, tell your dog to sit.
It is also important that your dog returns the toy voluntarily and does not run away with the toy in his mouth.
4. Sniffing Games
Sniffing games are a great way to train your puppy's nose. Simply hide small treats around the yard or home.
- Accessories: Treats, sniffing mat
- Procedure: Hide treats at different heights and levels of difficulty. Encourage your puppy to find the treats by praising him when he does.
Sniffing is a great activity for puppies. Sniffing games awaken your puppy's sense of hunting and smell. This has a positive effect on the puppy's mood.
Almost all dog breeds love to play sniffing games. However, there are some breeds that are made for this game. These include hunting and tracking dogs. The following breeds fall into this category:
- Akita
- Beagle
- Dachshund
- German Wirehaired Pointer
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Boxer
- Dobermann
- Irish Red Setter
- Shorthair Hungarian Pointing Dog
- Weimaraner
- and others
5. Thinking Games
Brain games help develop your puppy's intelligence and problem-solving skills.
- Accessories: Intelligence toy, dog puzzle
- Procedure: Show your puppy how to use the toy.
Encourage him to find solutions and praise him when he does.
Brain games are a great way to help your dog focus. Direct him consciously to something specific. The main component of this puppy game is a treat. You can use it to direct his concentration to you. Brain games promote your puppy's socialization.
Other benefits: Improves social skills, promotes attention and balance.
Give your dog chew toys. Chewing toys not only keep your puppy's teeth healthy, but also provide a great activity.
- Accessories: Rubber or rope chew toy
chew bone. - Procedure: Offer your puppy several different chew toys and observe which one he prefers. Praise him when he uses the chew toy instead of chewing furniture or shoes.
Follow These 5 Tips
Finally, we have compiled a few tips:
1 - Avoid playing too long
The games should not last too long. Otherwise, your dog will lose interest.
2 - Hide the toys
Keep your puppy happy and motivated. We recommend that you hide the toy from your puppy. If he sees it every day outside of playtime, he may lose interest in it.
3 - Don't always be the winner
When you let your protégé win, you increase his motivation. This strengthens your relationship. However, you should not always let your pet win. This can lead to conflicts that strain your relationship.
4 - Do not allow aggressive behavior
If your puppy displays aggressive behavior, you should stop playing immediately. If you continue to play with your puppy, your authority may suffer. Play should always be play. It should not become an endless power struggle.
5 - Offer variety
Don't use the same play activities all the time. Variety keeps your puppy from getting bored. Puppy games always have different objectives and benefits. Change them up regularly.
Dos:
- Encourage your puppy's natural instincts.
- Always end the game on a positive note.
- Supervise play to prevent injury.
Don'ts:
- Don't overwork your puppy.
- Do not use small objects that he could swallow.
- Never punish your puppy during play.
My Conclusion
Playing with your puppy is not only a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between you, but it is also an important foundation for his development and well-being.
With a variety of games to choose from, you can make sure your puppy is challenged both physically and mentally, which contributes to a healthy, happy and well-behaved dog.
Puppy games should be a regular part of puppy training.
From sniffing games for nose training, to fetch and tug-of-war games, to brain teasers for mental stimulation, the possibilities are almost endless. Remember to always play safely and responsibly, and give your puppy plenty of rest.
This is an important part of dog training. Regular outdoor walks are no substitute for puppy play.
With the right games and guidance, your puppy will be learning, playing and growing in no time. So what are you waiting for? Grab your little four-legged friend and let's start the adventure of learning through play together!
Of course, games should not be introduced only in puppyhood. Play should be a lifelong companion. Look around your pet store for puppy play products. The German market offers a wide variety.
Too theoretical for you? If you prefer a more visual approach, our app offers step-by-step video instructions to teach your dog many different games. Learn more about our app here.
My name is Anja Boecker, and I am a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant. With these articles, I want to help you to understand your dog better and to build an inseparable bond.
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