Puppy Games

"Learn Why You Shouldn't Play Chasing Games With Your Puppy!"

Puppies love to be chased - and let's face it, this game sounds like fun; but don't be fooled.

This is not a good game to play with your puppy (just yet) and should be avoided at all costs as it teaches him that he can out-wit you, thus increasing his dominance.

Watch your puppy play - does he pick up a toy, or something that doesn't belong to him, and run away with it?

Does he wait until you get near him before picking it up and running away again?

If the answer's yes, he's trying to get you to chase him.

Let's look a little more closely at what he's actually doing and analyse it:

• Your puppy picks up your slipper (or another object that wasn't his to take) and refuses to give it back to you.
• He runs away with the 'spoils' and refuses to come back to you.
• You chase him in a bid to get your slipper back.

By taking your slipper your puppy is 'stealing', and showing signs of possessiveness. Your puppy learns that he is being 'allowed' to disobey your command(s) and has manipulated you into playing with him.

He is learning that he can manipulate you into playing puppy games with him and that he can outsmart you because you can't catch him, or you can't retrieve your slipper from him.

Your puppy is learning to be dominant and his behaviour is eroding your status as pack leader.

Don't Chase Your Puppy If He Runs Away Outdoors

If your puppy gets loose and runs away, it's important that you don't chase him - you may never catch him, or get him to come back to you.

If you chase after your puppy, he will think it's a game and will run away each time you get close.

You may even chase him into oncoming traffic!

If your puppy does manage to get free, stay calm, call his name - don't shout, keep your voice light and appealing.

When he looks back at you, turn immediately and run in the opposite direction, calling his name as you run.

This may feel like that last thing that you'd want to do as you watch your Cocker Spaniel puppy racing away from you, down a busy main road; however, your puppy will think it's part of the game and he will follow you.

This should be the only time you allow your puppy to 'chase' you - puppies who are allowed to chase people can grow to be boistrous, if not dangerous, adult dogs.

Instead, let your puppy know it's okay to chase a ball; let him have fun and teach him how to 'Fetch It'.

I'm not saying you should never play chase games with your dog - just suggesting you hold off until your puppy is fully trained. Then you can relax the 'no chase' rules a little, however; you must always initiate, and end, the chase game - your puppy must play by your rules.

There are many more games you can play with your Cocker Spaniel puppy. These games can be great fun and, as a bonus, they'll also help to stimulate him both mentally and physically!

We've jotted a few down to help you get started - although I'm sure that's not necessary!

If you'd like to see more games, you can simply click on the links below.

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More Puppy Games

Fetch It!

Tug of War

Find It!

Hide and Seek

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