Black and White group of Pomeranian puppies playing inside

Puppy training and play

Combining play and training is very beneficial for puppies, as it helps their brains develop and supports their cognitive growth. Play and training are the perfect opportunities to teach them basic commands that will help them grow into confident adult dogs. 

Why should you train your puppy?

A well-mannered dog doesn't just happen by accident; it requires consistent and creative teaching. Puppies' brains are receptive to learning manners, house training, and safety skills. Therefore, incorporating consistent play and training methods will help. 

 

Puppy training offers numerous benefits. For example: 

  • Physical activity- helps burn off their excess energy.  
  • Cognitive skills- play  that involves reasoning enhances their problem-solving and memory skills. 

 

Playtime also provides an opportunity to teach your puppy how to act and interact. Behaviors like biting, nipping, herding, and jumping can be dangerous around young children and adults. Puppies learn acceptable behavior through socialization and playtime. These sessions help set the tone for how you want them to behave as they get older. 

 

Commands such as "sit," "lie down," and "wait" contribute to a friendly personality. Also, reliable recall skills to get your puppy’s attention can even save your puppy's life in the future. 

Puppy training tips

When planning on training your puppy, it is important to give them your full attention, so they cooperate from a young age.  

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Starting them at a young age

 

Starting to train your puppy at around 3 to 14 weeks old is beneficial, as they are in a socialization window and will be more receptive to learning new skills. At this stage, focus on teaching the basics like ‘sit’ or coming to you when you call their name. 

 

German shepherd puppy chasing a ball outside
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Frequency and repetition

Puppies learn through repetition. Your puppy will not know how to walk on a lead, sit, or lie down the first time you ask. It takes patience and practice for them to remember these skills. Implementing short and frequent training/play sessions will benefit young puppies the most.
Three Welsh Pembroke Corgi puppies in the grass in the garden

What makes a good training session

There are different ways to approach teaching your puppy to accommodate their needs while trying to get the best results possible: 


  • Reward good behavior — praise, affection, and treats
  • Keep training sessions short and frequent. Puppies have short attention spans
  • Be consistent and start early

If you're struggling with training your puppy then try training classes. Classes allow your puppy to socialize and learn new skills under the supervision and guidance of a professional.

Woman using smart phone while walking her dog

Discover the right food for your puppy

Answer our quick survey about your dog to discover a personalized food recommendation. 

Teaching your puppy the basics

Training a puppy means progress, not perfection, in daily sessions. Puppy training games teach puppies the basics in a fun way. Obedience training teaches sitting, lying down, staying, heel, and coming when called, as well as crate training and house training.

How you present them sets the tone for the session. For example, using a friendly voice tone will gain and encourage their attention. 

Royal Canin Puppy Growth Program line


Nutritional recommendations from our Puppy Growth Program

Our products are designed to accompany your puppy’s growth, helping to provide meaningful benefits thanks to specifically chosen nutrients for each stage.

Tips when playing with your puppy

Playtime is an opportunity for your puppy to learn new skills and commands. Puppies need regular daily play sessions. Combining playing with training can help maximize their learning.

Toys can encourage curiosity, movement, new textures, and potentially taste. When purchasing toys, make sure that the size is appropriate for your dog so that you can avoid any choking hazards. Good toys for puppy play sessions are:

Rubber toys or chews

Interactive treat dispensing toys

Puzzle feeders

Ropes and stuffed animals

Dog on leash looking at a water fountain

Games that teach your puppy  skills

Puppies have short attention spans therefore it is important to play games with them regularly so you can keep them occupied and happy. Here are a few popular games you can teach them.

Play Hide and Seek

  • Tell your puppy to sit and wait
  • Let your puppy watch you hide the treats or toys
  • Return to your puppy and let them start looking via the 'find it’ command
  • Reward and praise them when the treats have been found
  • Hide the treats in harder locations once they get good at the game

The cup game

  • Put a treat under a cup on a flat surface
  • Let your pup sniff it out
  • Praise success
  • To increase difficulty, add a few more cups and move them around to see if they can find the right one

Tug of war

The common misunderstanding with tug of war is that people think it teaches aggression when it actually teaches your dog self-control as well as the 'drop it' command.

  • Hold one end and let your dog pull the other end
  • Don't let your puppy get too excited where they end up nipping you. If this happens stop until they calm down, then restart.
  • Repeat and praise them when they succeed

Play Hide and Seek

  • Tell your puppy to sit and wait
  • Let your puppy watch you hide the treats or toys
  • Return to your puppy and let them start looking via the 'find it’ command
  • Reward and praise them when the treats have been found
  • Hide the treats in harder locations once they get good at the game

The cup game

  • Put a treat under a cup on a flat surface
  • Let your pup sniff it out
  • Praise success
  • To increase difficulty, add a few more cups and move them around to see if they can find the right one

Tug of war

The common misunderstanding with tug of war is that people think it teaches aggression when it actually teaches your dog self-control as well as the 'drop it' command.

  • Hold one end and let your dog pull the other end
  • Don't let your puppy get too excited where they end up nipping you. If this happens stop until they calm down, then restart.
  • Repeat and praise them when they succeed

Games that encourage independent play

Not all games need to involve you. Sometimes, allowing your puppy to play independently can be beneficial, as they will learn to keep themselves occupied while alone at home. When your puppy plays independently all they will need is the likes of treat-dispenser toys and puzzle toys. However, it is important to remember to keep your puppy's toys appropriate to the size of the breed.

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Sources
  1. https://betc.box.com/s/i45d1kabpbigz0ip8cth9jkmxj9mfjhp
  2. https://betc.box.com/s/2zo7qsm6peirv3wb9kom9r0b4i63hvw3
  3. https://www.royalcanin.com/us/dogs/puppy/how-to-train-your-puppy
  4. https://www.royalcanin.com/uk/dogs/puppy/puppy-training-and-play