Day Seven -- Play With Me

Play is an important part of a dogs' development and training. It can make training more exciting and keep your puppy more engaged. Ideally, most of the play is coming from humans but some good dog play is fun too...providing it's well supervised.

It's really nice when dogs do what is called parallel play. They are running side by side or they both have their mouth on a toy and are running with it. Basically, it's play where there is no conflict. It's good to praise the puppies when they are playing like this so they get the idea that you like this kind of play.

Play where there is mild conflict, like a good game of tug, is fine within limits. If one dog starts to guard or be protective of the toy (darting away with it, turning her head trying to protect it) it's time to intervene. No need to be loud about it, just a simple walk towards them while clapping your hands and saying "That's enough" or "Too much" in a calm voice. If need be, put the toy up. If one puppy is being really protective of the toy, that puppy may need some work one on one to help her through that issue.

The same is true for vocalizing during play. Luna can be a talker. This is fine within limits. A little vocalization is very normal in play. But, if the other dog is trying to take a break, and she is relentlessly barking at the other puppy trying to get her to play, it's time to intervene. You can redirect her to another activity or call her to come.

If she keeps going back and barking, you can put her in a quick time-out by putting her in a sit between your legs and holding her chest. Don't talk to her or give her attention and only release her when she is being calm. It should just be for a few minutes, just enough time for her to pull herself together and to realize that the fun stops when she's not listening. When we first started doing this, she would get frustrated and become very mouthy. I would respond by saying ouch and remain holding on lightly to her chest. Again, she doesn't get to go play again until she's nice and calm (and not being mouthy). You don't want her to learn that being mouthy will get her what she wants. Another adult only activity. The time-out also works well if she's playing roughly and can't pull it together when you try to intervene or if she's jumping on people a lot or if she's being really mouthy and not responding to redirection.

Don't forget you can calm play down by mixing in some obedience during play. She's happy to run through her drills even when there is a lot going on around her.

And, of course, her recalls are perfect for toning things down a bit and it's a great way to interrupt inappropriate behavior or rough play. Ideally you are intervening in the play before it gets out of hand. It's much easier to redirect at that point.

By all means, join in on the play. You'll be amazed and how much more checked in she is with you when you are an active participant in her play. Not to mention you are teaching her really useful skills like "drop" during play.

If she's being a bit naughty or getting into trouble, she may be telling you she needs a little more exercise. Throwing in some obedience or teaching her new things can help burn off some of that energy too.

Watch for signs that she's getting tired too. Puppies can start to get a little cranky when they've had too much and they are not always the best at stopping at that point. That can be with other dogs or with humans. If you notice she's being a touch naughty but she's had plenty of exercise, it may be time for a little nap or some quiet time. Geeze, it's just like a toddler.