YOUR PUPPY NEEDS PLAYTIME

Engaging in physical activity is essential for both humans and dogs. It reduces stress and provides mental stimulation. Therefore, playtime is essential for your puppy’s growth and development. If you do not engage him in play it would lead to boredom and cause aggressive behaviour and destructive chewing.

Here are a few suggestions to engage your puppy in play:

• Play with your dog everyday: Set aside a  few hours in a day just to play with your puppy. This time spent together strengthens your bond  with him and eliminates negative behavior like anxiety, aggression and destructive chewing. You can also use this time to teach him various tricks and commands.
• Provide him a variety of toys: In order to make playtime fun buy different variety of toys that adhere to their senses and provides both physical and mental stimulation. To keep him interested keep the toys on rotation. Avoid small toys or toys with small parts that your puppy can remove to avoid chocking hazard.
• Provide him with comfort toys: Apart from balls and chew toys you can give your dog soft toys that will soothe and comfort him. Giving him your old tee shirt or soft toys that have your smell will immediately calm them down when you are not around thereby reducing separation anxiety.  
• Keep him on the move: Playing active games with your dog will keep him in good physical condition. Playing ‘fetch’ games using balls and frisbee, rope toys or squeaky toys will ensure he enjoys the game and is active. Puzzle toys and treat dispenser toys will keep your dog engaged in play while you are not around.