The Power of Play

Using play as part of training and interaction with a puppy has many benefits, especially when establishing a strong bond and foundational skills.

Here are a few key points on why incorporating play is valuable:

🐶 Strengthens Bond: Play helps you build trust and a positive relationship with your puppy. When training is fun, your puppy associates being with you as something enjoyable, fostering a close connection and increasing their desire to engage with you.

🐶 Motivates Learning: Puppies are more engaged and willing to learn when training involves fun elements. Play can be used as a reward, making it easier to reinforce positive behaviors and encourage your puppy to repeat desirable actions.

🐶 Increases Focus: Play helps puppies learn to focus on you, even in stimulating environments. This is particularly important for breeds with high energy, like a Malinois, who need an outlet for their natural drive and enthusiasm. Short, playful training sessions can help teach your puppy to stay engaged with you, despite distractions.

🐶 Builds Confidence: Play encourages exploration and helps puppies develop confidence. Games involving problem-solving, like finding a toy or completing simple agility moves, let them tackle new challenges and experience small successes.

🐶 Teaches Self-Control: Through play, puppies learn impulse control and patience. Games that involve waiting, taking turns, or responding to commands, like “leave it” or “stay,” help them develop the self-control that will be valuable throughout their lives.

Incorporating structured play into your training routine can help you achieve a balance between obedience and fun, making training something your puppy looks forward to.

You may also like: The Power of Play – a Toy Play Webinar, now available as a course