How to Play Games With a Puppy

Puppies need to be entertained or they will get bored and entertain themselves in ways that you might not find acceptable. Playing games with your puppy can help to develop respect and communication with your dog. Games are activities you do with your puppy that require you to interact and communicate with each other.

Instructions

1. Capture something that your puppy does and reward the behavior. For example if the puppy accidentally touches your hand with his paw, praise him, give him a treat and try to get him to do it again on command. Reinforcing the accidental behavior can turn it into a learned behavior that can be a fun game.

2. Play follow the leader. Most puppies like to follow you and will readily join in the game. Set up an obstacle course and you be the leader. If the puppy looses interest and walks away, switch roles and let him be the leader as you follow him around the house.

3. Try hide and seek. Put the puppy into a sit or laying-down position and tell her to stay. Then go and hide. After you have found your hiding spot call the puppy's name and let her come find you. When she finds you, reward her with praise or a treat.

4. Hide treats around the house. Again put your dog into a sit or down position and tell him to stay. Hide treats in various spots around the house and then tell him to go. He gets to run around the house searching for the hidden treats. Pick new hiding spots each time to keep the game challenging.

5. Practice learned tricks. Puppies love showing off the new things that they have learned. If you have just taught your puppy to roll over, turn it into a game. Take turns with the puppy rolling over on the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• It is important to teach your puppy not to bite when playing with you. When dogs play with each other, they use their mouths and nip at each other. If your puppy nips at you when playing, say "ouch" in a very loud voice and then stop playing and ignore the dog. She will learn that when she nips, you stop playing.