For example, training your retriever pup “Fetch” is an excellent way to stimulate their brain by getting them to listen to your commands while providing adequate exercise. Some toys and games, like Kongs, are specifically designed to work their brains, making your puppy think and work, followed by a rewarding treat and play! Depending on the type of breed your puppy is, you can also research different types of games to play with them that suit their natural drives. Mental Stimulation - Play is a great way to give your puppy something to do and work towards, not just so they’re physically motivated but mentally, too.

Note: Even a pup that’s received play and exercise can still get into some mischief if left unattended! They’ll still want to explore and chew on things so make sure that you provide some structure after playing like placing your pup in their crate or a playpen if you can’t monitor them. Play with your puppy in sessions no longer than 15-20 minutes. But tiring out your puppy should come in moderation. If your puppy becomes destructive, for example, starts chewing up your furniture, chances are they need a little more activity and the appropriate stimulation such as chew toys. Your puppy can relieve some of their excess energy and boredom in a healthy and productive way. When you can spot your puppy starting to exhibit some bad activities, like chewing on your hands and not their chew toys, you’ll be able to take certain steps to curb that behavior! Now, let’s dive into how to watch out for certain cues during playtime and how to encourage good manners!Įxercise - At The Puppy Academy, our trainers like to say “a tired puppy is a happy us!” Exercise definitely is an important part of playtime. But now that your pup is home with you, you’ll need to train your puppy how not to do that with their new family! Understanding your pup’s normal play behavior is very important as you embark on training them what’s acceptable and what isn’t. Oftentimes when a pup becomes over-stimulated or tired, they can get nippy with each other. When puppies play with their litter mates, it’s normal for them to explore and play with their mouths. But the main thing to remember is that as the owner, your training will help encourage positive puppy playtime manners.

Puppies play for a variety of developmental reasons that we’ll cover a little later on. Puppies love to play! As a new puppy owner, you will be in for loads of playtime - chase, fetch, tug-of-war, search, there’s a lot of games for your pup and you to enjoy together! But what’s good playing and what’s not?

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