How to Get Your Pup Accustomed To Playtime

Puppies and grown dogs don't automatically know how to play, nor can they immediately tell the difference between play and aggressiveness. It's up to you to teach him. Here are some steps to get your pup used to the idea of playtime.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• You
• Your doggy
• His favorite toy

How To Teach Your Dog To Chase

1. Get your dog's attention by calling his name or whistling.

2. Move the toy around on the floor a few feet away from her, slowly at first then picking up speed. This should pique her interest, and she'll be watching that toy's every move as if it were prey.

3. Move up closer to him, let him sniff but pull it away as soon as he wants it. Act like it is the greatest toy ever. If you act like you want it, your baby will want it too!

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 until she automatically reacts each time she sees you pick up the toy. This will lead to you having an easier time getting her to fetch.

How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch

5. Choosing a toy your dog is particularly in love with, start to play fetch somewhere he normally lays to chew on his favorite toys. Begin with a round of chase to get him excited about the toy.

6. Toss the toy a few feet away. When she gets up and grabs it, blow kisses or tap the floor excitedly to get her to come back. If she comes back without the toy, praise your pup anyway, but go and get the toy to repeat the steps.

7. When your doggy finally brings the toy back, praise him lavishly, but don't take the toy away just yet. Get your dog into feeling like he can share his toys with you. Let him drop it on his own, then entice him and do it over again!

8. When whe's gotten good at bringing toys back, reward her not only with love and kisses but with more playtime!

Tips & Warnings

• Fetch is easier after you and your doggy have gotten used to playing a few games of chase.
• If your having difficulty getting your dog to bring the toy back, or even coming back with it, train on leash. Throw the toy far enough so that he can chase it on leash, then give a tug on the leash for him to come back with the toy, rewarding him with a treat when he brings it back. Once he's gotten good at doing it on leash, you can start trying it off leash.
• If your dog becomes too mouthy (nibbling and biting) or aggressive and reluctant to share his toys, seek professional training assistance immediately.

Resources

• Urban Hound: An Online Meeting Place For Doggy Parents.
• Pups

[grouch]

on 12/8/2007 That is so funny, "if you act like you want it your baby will to." It is so true. My cat does the same thing. She never wants it until you have it.