Games for Puppies 

Playing games with your puppy can provide several benefits. It is a way for you to strengthen their bond and teach them special skills to set them up for success. Below are some of the most common games you can play with your pup and directions for each. Enjoy!

Find the Toy  

This game will help your dog rely on their sense of smell. First, pick up your dog’s favorite toy and give it a name. For example, if the toy is a red ball, call it “red ball.” Next, choose a command such as “find.” Show your puppy the toy and hide it under a blanket. Then say, “find the red ball.” Repeat the command if the dog does not find the toy. Please continue the game until your puppy can recover the toy completely when it cannot see it.

Tug-of-war 

This game will help train your puppy to drop a toy on command. Start holding your puppy’s toy and offer it until the dog grabs it. Tug back and forth with your dog. Let your puppy have the toy once in a while and praise them while they “win” the toy. The most important thing is to ensure the puppy is playing appropriately and not biting anything other than the toy. You can reward your pup when you say “drop it” during the game. The purpose is to have them drop the toy on command without expecting a treat.

Fetch 

This game is probably the favorite to play with puppies. It can teach the pup to come when called while getting a significant amount of exercise. Start by getting your puppy to come and sit. Next, throw one of their favorite toys. With some enthusiasm, please encourage them to get it. When the puppy is far away from you with their toy, call their name so they will want to return to you. Be sure to praise your dog when they come back with the toy!

Games like these will sharpen your dog’s skills. In addition, the games will help you build a strong foundation and bond! If your dog can master any of these games, we recommend that you move on to agility training. This type of training will provide mental and physical stimulation.