Games for puppy

[Fedupagain1975]

Our puppy is 13 weeks old, active cocker spaniel. I am worried we are not playing with him enough or playing the right games. The puppy preschool said no tug a war games, no squeaky toys (which we have loads of) and the breeder said no throwing the balls until his older due to his legs not being developed! Puppy seems very bored and when we go for walks is super excited especially to see other people. Interested to know how much people are playing with there puppies and what games? Thanks!

[Bubble2bubble]

A spaniel loves any kind of scenting game, even at this age. Hiding food around the house or garden is great for working their noses and mentally tires them out.

[pigsDOfly]

Going through his necessary commands while out should help tire his brain out - sit, stay etc., apologies if you're already doing that

I still do this with my 5 year old dog when we're in the park and she enjoys it as much as chasing her ball - probably because it involves treats.

Also on a scenting theme, hide and seek, let him search you out, probably better done in the house and garden.

Never owned a spaniel of any kind so am curious to know why no squeaky toys?

[Fedupagain1975]

Thanks! Those are great ideas!

The behaviour said that spaniels are very possessive of their toys and the squeaky noise sounds too much like a child crying or squealing so will encourage them to think they are toys?

[pigsDOfly]

Ah, okay. Did read somewhere that the reason dogs like squeaky toys is because they sound like the cries of dying prey.

My dog clearly isn't the hunting type as she has no interest in squeaky toys but does love her non squeaky sheep; her behaviour towards that is sometimes questionable though, but in what you might call a more loving way :)

[Ylvamoon]

Get 101 dog tricks by Kyra Sundance- great book to teach all kinds of fun tricks. Has clear instructions with pictures and trouble shooting ideas for each trick / exercise.
Great for bonding and tiring your dog out.