The Road to Hell Is Paved With Good Intentions

You know that quote. Of course you do! It’s so old and so commonly used that it’s not even attributed to anyone in particular. 

Great news! That obviously means countless people have tried to do something awesome and… ended up in hell. Solidarity FTW. 

Welcoming a new puppy is something that all pet parents go into with the best intentions. There’s just so much potential for screwing up. You gotta stay vigilant. Do it right. 

But it’s important to set aside some time every day just to chill and kick it with your new companion. Sit back. Stop worrying so much. 

What could you possibly be doing wrong when you’re just trying to have a good time? Nothing. Probably nothing, because you searched the internet so you could ruin even fun time with your quest for perfection.

It’s okay. Being a pet parent is hard. Finding balance is hard. But we got you. Here are four common mistakes some pet parents make while having fun with their puppies… and what you can do differently.

While this physical play may seem like a ton of fun, you’re teaching your dog that people playtime looks just like puppy playtime. A puppy that learns it’s okay to pounce on you won’t understand why it can’t do the same thing when it’s excited to see a favorite (human) friend at the door. 

Giving mixed signals is so not cool.

Instead, focus on interactive play that you can enjoy together without getting too physical. Incorporate games like tug-of-war or toss a toy they can fetch. 

Those one-track-mind little buggers could play fetch for hours, if only we’d let them.

Engaging in Endless Puppy Playtime

Wondering how long you should play with your puppy? Curious because just the thought of playing fetch for hours is making your arm tired? Same.

But it’s a valid question. Playtime shouldn’t be endless. Get some structure and enforce some boundaries around not just how you’ll play with your pup, but for how long.

Short, intense bursts of play are a great way to engage your dog and leave them pumped for the next round. Don’t be a tease and hide the toys after a few minutes. But try to stop while you’re still having fun. 

If your dog is still bouncing around like a crazed gnat on a mission, try redirecting the focus to more mentally engaging games. 

A reward-based (treat releasing) puzzle toy is a great option to work that powerful muscle we call the brain… driven by that powerful motivator called your dog’s stomach.