Puppy Games
Puppy games are great ways to entertain your puppy and yourself, while subliminally teaching lessons in the course of having fun. Start with a game plan and a pocketful of tasty dog treats. Keep your games short so you don't push his attention span beyond normal puppy limits.
Puppy catch-me helps teach the come command. With two people sitting on the floor about 10 or 15 feet apart, one person holds and pets the pup while the other calls him: Puppy, puppy, Come! in a happy voice. When the pup comes running, lavish him with big hugs and give a tasty treat. Repeat back and forth several timesdont overdo it.
You can add a ball or toy and toss it back and forth for the puppy to retrieve. When he picks it up, praise and hug him some more, give him a goodie to release the toy, then toss it back to person number two. Repeat as before.
Hide-and-seek is another game that teaches Come. Play this game outdoors in your yard or another confined safe area. When the pup is distracted, hide behind a tree, bush or other large object. Peek out to see when he realizes that you are gone and comes running back to find you (trust me, he will do that). As soon as he gets close, come out, squat down with arms outstretched and call him: Puppy, Come! This is an excellent technique and teaches the puppy to depend on you.
Play Where's your toy? by placing one of his favorite toys in plain sight, asking your puppy Where's your toy? and letting him take it. Repeat several times. Then place your puppy safely outside the room and place the toy where only part of it shows. Bring him back and ask the same question. Praise highly when he finds it. Repeat several times. Finally, conceal the toy and let your puppy sniff it out.
GSD puppies love to have fun with their people. Games are great teaching aids and one of the best ways to say I love you to your puppy.
Next step: Training Overview
Reprinted from Breeders Best:German Shepherd © 2004. Permission granted by Kennel Club Books, an imprint of BowTie Press.