Puppy Training Games

Play time with your puppy can be used as training time. Keep the sessions short and focused so your puppy remains engaged. Puppies have an extremely short attention span and so cannot be expected to do long training sessions. Puppies tire quickly; their bodies are still growing, and their growth plates are still closing. Too much forced physical activity can result in injuries, some of which may not become obvious until later life.

As I keep stressing, the rule of thumb for any breed of puppy is no more than 5 minutes of 'forced exercise' per month of age, twice a day. 'Forced exercise' is anything we make our puppy do. This includes walking (with or without a lead), running, playing 'Fetch' and so on. 'Forced exercise' does not include any time your puppy entertains themselves, as without our intervention and encouragement, they are free to rest whenever their little bodies need to. Keep this in mind whenever you are playing with or training your puppy.

Make both play and training fun; it is important that both you and your puppy enjoy the time you spend together and build a long-lasting bond. It is also important to remember your puppy will pay attention for longer periods of time when they are having fun.

Pass the Puppy

A game the whole family can play with your puppy. Form a circle on the floor, with your puppy in the middle. Make sure everyone has plenty of treats (kibble is great for this). Each person takes a turn calling the puppy to them; when the puppy comes, praise and treat. This is a great foundation for recall training, and helps build a bond with all the family.

Hide and Seek

Have someone gently hold your puppy while you go and hide. Call your puppy's name, and when they find you, JACKPOT! - they get lots of praise and treats. Remember not to hide too well when you first start, or your puppy may not find you, and get discouraged. If your puppy is really struggling to find you, help them out – you don't want them to get discouraged; set your puppy up to succeed. You can improve your hiding places as your puppy gets better at finding you.

Automatic Check-in

You can do this one once you have gotten your puppy used to a collar and leash, and walking on leash (see our Stop Pulling and Basic Leash Techniques video series). Take your puppy for a walk and let them explore; every time they look back at you, praise and treat. Then let your puppy go back to exploring.

If your puppy is too distracted by all the wonderful sights, sounds and smells, and doesn't look, say their name or make an interesting noise to get them to look. When they do, praise and treat.

Odds are your puppy will quickly work out what is going on and stick to your side, watching for treats. Use this to your advantage; it will make recall training easier, so make sure you are praising and treating regularly.

This exercise will help socialise your puppy, just by taking them out in public. Furthermore, it will begin to teach 'Focus', which in turn will help your puppy to ignore distractions. You can also begin teaching basic but essential commands such as 'Sit', 'Down', 'Leave It' and 'Focus' while you are walking.

You don't have to leave the yard to play this game; in fact, until your puppy has had all their shots, you would be best to do it at home, where there are minimal risks and distractions. Once your puppy is fully protected, head on out and see the world. But do it slowly, you don't want to overwhelm your puppy.

Tug-of-War

This is a great game to play with your puppy. It burns energy, builds focus and keeps your puppy engaged with you. Give your puppy a 'Take' word when they grab the tug toy, and an 'Out' word to tell them to let the toy go. To teach your puppy 'Out' use a second identical toy, hidden behind your back. Pull it out, and encourage your puppy to exchange. As they let go of the first toy, give the 'Out' command, praise and replace the original toy with the new one. Another option is to hold up a treat, and when your puppy lets go of the toy to take the treat, use the 'Out' word, then treat and praise.

If your puppy gets over-excited, and starts grabbing your hands or exhibits any other unwanted behaviour, stop the game, put the toy up and let your puppy settle down. An over-stimulated puppy doesn't listen and makes poor decisions. We want our puppies to enjoy themselves, but we also need them to listen.

Remember to let your puppy win. This ensures your puppy has fun, and encourages them to keep coming back for more. Remember; no-one likes losing all the time; constantly losing breeds disenchantment.

Fetch!

A great game to play with your puppy. Use soft toys, plastic 'sticks' and soft balls big enough that your puppy can't swallow them, rather than actual sticks, which can cause serious injuries. Roll the ball short distances; you don't want your puppy to go bonkers. Protect those still-developing joints. Initially, you may have to show your puppy what to do, but once they get the idea, you'll both have a blast.

Dog Paddle

Swimming is great for your puppy. It gives them a workout, and protects their joints. However, not all puppies are immediately keen on water, so be aware that it may take time to get your puppy into the water. Don't force your puppy, as this will result in fear and anxiety. Always swim in calm waters and keep the sessions really short; swimming is hard work.

Find It

This is 'Hide & Seek' with an object, rather than a person. This is a game best played outside, as you are dragging the treat across the ground, but I have often played it inside. When I am training my dogs inside, I get just as many, if not more, crumbs on the floor. Drag a treat along the ground to a hiding spot, which could be a box or something similar, then send your puppy to find the treat.

You can vary this game by using different scents obtained from friend's pets, or animals at the pet shop (ask staff for assistance). Get scents from different animals on a series of old rags, drag one of the rags across the ground to a hiding spot, then send your puppy to find the rag.

Remember, keep the distance fairly short, otherwise your puppy may get distracted and forget what they are supposed to be doing.

Cup & Balls

We've all seen this trick – a ball hidden under one of three cups, which are then shuffled, and we try to follow and find the ball.

To play with your puppy, replace the ball with a treat, shuffle the cups then let your puppy try to find the treat.

Sound Alert

This is not only a fun game, but will help to desensitise your puppy to a range of noises.

Gather items from around the house (keys, noisy paper, clicking pen etc.) and hide them behind your back.

One at a time, make a noise with each object. Your puppy will no doubt be confused about what the noise is and where it is coming from. Show your puppy each item, let them have a sniff, then make the noise again, with your puppy able to see the object.

Dog, Meet Car

Introduce your puppy to the family car. By ensuring your puppy isn't afraid of the car and treats it like a fun thing to be in, you will make life much easier down the line.

Walk around the car with your puppy, open and close doors and let them get in and out; ensure you lift your puppy in and out of the car. Put your puppy in the car, start the car and let it run for a minute. Turn the car off, take your puppy back out.

Take your puppy for short rides around the block to further get them used to the sound and movement. Remember to lift your puppy in and out of the car; you don't want them jumping at this stage of life. Protect your puppy's joints!

Name That Toy

This game teaches your puppy the names of different toys. Put two toys in front of your puppy. Say the name of one of these toys a few times, and wait. Your puppy will eventually sniff at the named toy; when they do, praise and treat.

Repeat this exercise, using the same toy as the target, always praising and treating. Then use the other toy as the target; praise and treat for a sniff of the correct toy.

Alternate between the two toys until your puppy sniffs the correct toy first time every time. Only then should you introduce a new toy to the game and start the process over.

For free training videos & advice come see us at:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR1L47VjjZKeH1AArpe9VDw

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Outbackdogtraining/