Getting a puppy is a big decision that will change your life. You should consider your living arrangements, choose a breed that will suit your lifestyle, and introduce the new family member to your home.
Before buying or adopting a puppy, you should understand all the necessary information. Fortunately, several sites like Euro Puppy can help you make the right choice. After all, it would be best to think about the right upbringing for your pup from the beginning.
Playing games is not only an excellent way to tire out your puppy, but it also positively affects their mental development and, if done right, teaches your puppy commands and correct behavior.
Puppy games can be fun for both of you, and a wide variety of them will prevent your dog from getting bored. Teaching commands through playing is the most fun way to do it and will benefit your life later.
Well-behaved dogs cause less trouble. However, games for adult dogs may be too intense for puppies.
So here are seven fun puppy games you can play together that provide physical exercise and mental stimulation.
1. Fetch
Fetch is probably the most popular puppy game, but you may still be unaware of some tricks. You can teach your dog to come when called and give you the item back when playing fetch with a little effort.
With a smaller dog, you can start gently and with short distances. Sometimes, especially initially, you may need to run alongside your dog and show him what you want them to do.
With older puppies, you can try fetching frisbees. They get to run longer distances, and it’s fun for dogs, as it promotes their natural drive for the chase.
Start by buying a soft frisbee, as plastic ones are hard, and it can discourage your dog if it hits them in the nose.
Practice catching by rolling it on the ground or throwing it short distances.
2. Tug-of-war
Tug-of-war is many dogs’ favorite game. It can be a great way of bonding, and you can teach your dog some good habits.
To start, take a favorite toy and offer it to your dog until your dog grabs it and starts pulling back and forth. Sometimes, pretend that your dog is winning to keep him happy and interested.
You can start practicing the “drop” command by stopping and waiting for your dog to drop the toy.
Sometimes, it may take a while, but be patient. After he drops it, say “drop” and give your dog a treat. You can repeat it every time you play.
The most important thing you can teach your puppy is to bite only the items you give him.
Stop the game if your dog’s teeth touch anything other than a toy. If he tries to grab your arm or something lying on the ground, stop immediately and show him that this is the end of the game.
3. Hide-and-seek
You can play hide-and-seek in two different ways — with yourself or some dog toys.
Hide-and-seek is a great game to teach your dog to rely on his sense of smell, and it’s the beginning of tracking exercises.
The first way you can play is to ask someone to hold your dog while you hide a toy in another room and then let him go.
At first, you can say “search” or give him a sign, but after, try to make him figure it out.
After finding the item, always praise the puppy.
When your dog gets a little practice, try to make him stay alone. The other person may be in the same room as the dog to ensure he stays.
4. Three cups
This is a simple game similar to one that kids play with magicians.
Take three cups and one treat, show your dog that you are putting the treat under one, and wait for him to take it.
When you are sure the dog understands what you want him to do, mix the cups. Brain games and puzzle toys help train your dog’s brain and sense of smell and develop problem-solving skills.
5. Kong and other food toys
Food dispensing toys are excellent if you want to teach your puppy to care for himself.
They are fun and encourage natural scavenging abilities.
To use a Kong, stuff it with treats and put it in the freezer for the night.
When you train your dog to be alone at home, you can give it to him before you leave.
6. Agility
You can create your own agility course in the living room with blankets, chairs, and other small obstacles.
Use treats to lure your puppy and follow the obstacle course, rewarding it when it completes all of them.
This helps your dog learn the basics of agility and will help you with future dog training with more advanced courses.
7. Water games
Many dogs naturally dislike water, but if you start to prepare them when they are young, going to the beach or lake can be fun.
You can teach them to play water fetch (but don’t forget the life jacket) or have some unique water toys prepared.
If you can’t go somewhere where there’s water, but you still want your dog to be used to getting wet, try playing in a kiddie pool in the backyard.
Some dogs love splashing around without swimming, especially on hotter days.
Help your puppy adjust to a new home
Introducing and acclimating a new puppy to their new home and family requires patience, consistency, and love.
Here are some tips to help make the process as smooth as possible:
Create a safe space
Set up a designated area in your home where your new puppy can feel safe and secure. This could be a crate, a bed, or a specific room.
Make sure this space is comfortable and free from any potential hazards.
Slow introductions
When bringing your puppy home, introduce your dog to one family member at a time.
Allow them to sniff and explore at their own pace, and avoid overwhelming them with too much attention at once.
Establish a routine
Puppies thrive on routine, so try to establish a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, playtime, and training.
This will help them feel more secure and understand what to expect in their new environment.
Socialization
Introduce your puppy to new experiences, people, and other animals gradually and positively.
This will help them become well-adjusted and confident as they grow.
Positive reinforcement
Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to reward your dog and encourage good behavior. That will help your puppy feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.
Supervision
Keep a close eye on your puppy during the acclimation period to ensure its safety and prevent potential accidents or destructive behavior.
By following these tips and giving your new puppy plenty of love and patience, you can help it adjust to its new home and become a cherished family member.
Focus on basic commands
Training your puppy to understand basic commands is integral to their development.
Here are some tips to help you teach your puppy basic commands:
Use positive reinforcement
When teaching your puppy basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down,” use positive reinforcement techniques such as treats, praise, and affection.
This will help your puppy associate the command with a positive experience and encourage them to repeat it.
Keep training sessions short and frequent
Puppies have short attention spans, so it’s essential to keep training sessions brief and frequent.
Aim for multiple short sessions throughout the day rather than one long session.
Be consistent
Consistency is critical when training your puppy. Use the same command word each time and be consistent with your expectations.
This will help your puppy understand what is expected of them.
Start with one command at a time
Focus on teaching one command at a time, and move on to the next when your puppy has mastered the first one.
This will help prevent confusion and frustration for both you and your puppy.
Use a clicker or marker word
Consider using a clicker or a specific marker word to signal your puppy that they have performed the desired behavior.
This can help reinforce the connection between the command and the behavior.
End on a positive note
Always end training sessions on a positive note, even if your puppy is struggling with a particular command.
This will help keep the experience enjoyable for your puppy and encourage them to look forward to the next training session.
The bottom line on puppy games
Playing puppy games is a lot of fun for any dog lover. The opportunities are vast, and you can decide what you want to do and what you want to teach your dog to suit your lifestyle.
Playing fetch can be good for active people who wish to jog with their pup or ride a bike alongside him. Get your dog used to basic puppy games before moving on to the more demanding exercises.
Playing together will also help you bond with your puppy and make him more social.
These games will help your pup learn puppy training basics, but realize your dog may need some time to be a good boy or girl.