Although it is important you begin basic training such as housebreaking your poodle puppy when you bring him/her home for the first time, it is also imperative that you remember playing is an important part of your puppy’s social development.
Playing games with your dog is more than a fun time; it also allows both you and your pup the chance to discover characteristics about each other. Investing in quality play time with your pup is how you and your family can develop an intimate relationship with your dog. Furthermore, encouraging playtime with friends, close relatives and other canines also helps to socialize your dog and make him/her comfortable with others.
Play time with your poodle puppy has many benefits including:
- Encourages positive socialization
- Calms fears that may stem from specific experiences
- Develops trust – trust that can make training an easier process
- Develops a deep bond
- Encourages positive behaviors as your pup will be encouraged to please you
- Provides him/her with exercise and releases pent up energy
- Makes an overall healthy and happy dog
Another positive aspect about playtime is that it satisfies your poodle’s natural desire to work or hunt. Instead of taking them on long walks (which most puppies can’t tolerate anyhow), engage in plenty of playtime to provide your dog with mental stimulation and physical activity. Don’t forget, puppies can become bored easily, play time keeps life interesting.
Nevertheless, just as it is important to play with your poodle puppy, it is also vital that you know when not to play with him/her. Playing with your dog when or after he/she misbehaves is only encouraging him/her to continue the behaviors you deem unacceptable. Remember, you want to reinforce positive behavior not the negative. Thus, playtime can be used as an effective disciplining tool. For instance, if your dog misbehaves before or during regular playtime, simply stop playing and ignore him/her so that he/she gets the message that they did something wrong.
Playing with your poodle puppy is how you form a strong bond that will last for a lifetime. Best of all, forming this bond is a lot of fun and creates plenty of happy memories for you to cherish.
Poodle Training…
