Page 310 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)
P. 310
310 C ARE AND TR AINING
Playtime
As highly social animals, dogs need interaction with both
other dogs and people as much as they need physical and
mental exercise. Play can offer this interaction and helps
dogs to mature properly, so it is essential that they have as
much of it as they need. However, it is during playtime that
your dog is most likely to become overexcited and start
misbehaving. Teach your puppy the rules of play, both with
you and with other dogs. He must also learn to stop playing
when you tell him to.
Use toys to help your dog learn that play with people is
different from play-fighting with other dogs. Playtime should
begin and end with a display of good manners, such as a sit.
If your puppy gets overexcited, call a halt to the fun until he
calms down. Don’t restrain him with your hands during play
because he will probably try to mouth you or jump up. It may be
useful to keep a puppy on a light, long leash during playtime.
This allows you to calm him down without offering the
temptation of your hands. If this does not work, walk away
from your puppy, making it clear that the game is over.
TUG-OF-WAR
Tug games are a great TOP TIPS
way to interact with
your dog, as long as ■ Your dog should be taught from an
you can control when early age not to be possessive of his toys.
the game begins and It is understandable that any dog would
when it ends. want to guard a prized possession from
human hands, but this can lead to snapping
and biting. Spend time trading toys for
THRILL OF treats until your dog learns that allowing
THE CHASE people to pick up his toys leads to a tasty
Many dogs love chasing reward. Teach children that snatching
toys that fly through the something quickly away from a dog may
air. Keep your puppy on startle him and possibly arouse aggression.
a long leash until he
understands the rules.
GOOD PRACTICE | PLAYING
RESPONDING TO A NEW TOY PLAYFULNESS GIVING UP A TOY
Allow your puppy to nibble a new toy to Do not be alarmed if your puppy growls—he Occasionally take the toy away from your
find out whether it tastes nice and to check is simply treating the toy like another puppy. puppy and praise him before returning it. If
whether it will bite back. This is normal playfulness, not aggression. he is reluctant to give it up, swap it for a treat.
US_310-311_Good_Behaviour3.indd 310 10/09/19 3:42 PM
