There isn’t much a puppy enjoys more than getting to play. Whether they’re participating in a lively game of fetch or hide and treat, play can provide a healthy dose of physical and mental stimulation for your dog. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for you and your pup to bond and build a closer relationship. But what happens if your puppy plays too rough?
When an innocent, friendly game is played with too much aggression, what should you do? Is there anything you can do? Sure, dogs get excited while playing, but excessive roughness should never be tolerated.
The good news is that a puppy’s behavior can be changed, especially when their owner is patient and persistent. If your puppy plays too rough, be sure to check out our helpful tips and tricks. Keep reading to learn them all!
Opt For Reward-Based Training, Not Punishment-Based
It can be easy to think that dishing out punishment will deter your puppy from playing too rough, but in some cases it can actually make things worse. Instead of a punishment based training method, try reward-based training. This means you focus more on desired behavior instead of spending all your time correcting unwanted behavior.
Notice your puppy being gentle? Treat them right away to show that this good behavior is pleasing to you. And that it gets rewarded too! Of course, rewards can be different for different dogs. Some dogs live for a good belly rub or gentle scratch behind the ear. While other dogs are more food motivated and can’t wait to gobble down a yummy treat.
If you do go the treat route, we recommend selecting treats that are made with natural ingredients. After all, you don’t want to sacrifice your furry friend’s nutrition while trying to get rid of aggressive behavior. Blue Ridge Naturals’ treats are made with natural ingredients that are sourced here in the United States. Reward your pup with a delicious treat, like our Salmon Jerky Topper-Trainer Treats. They’re the perfect incentive (and size) for training a puppy who plays too rough.
Give Opportunities To Cool Off
As beneficial as play can be, it can also be exhausting for your little mutt. Exhaustion can lead to a cranky pup, and in some cases more aggressive behavior. If you’re noticing your puppy plays too rough towards the end of their play time, allow them some time to cool off. What does this look like?
- Allow your puppy to sit or lay for 5-10 minutes.
- Give your puppy a break if they’re playing with dog (or human) friends. Some time alone can work wonders and help bring aggressive behavior down.
- Switch to a different kind of play. Maybe offer a game or toy that doesn’t require a lot of energy. A calm game can help your dog cool down.
And if your puppy is playing too rough and nips, discourage this behavior by calmly but sternly saying something like “ouch” or “that’s not okay”. You DO want to communicate in a gentle way that this type of behavior is unacceptable.
A Puppy Who Plays Rough May Need Rules & Guidelines
Whether your puppy plays aggressively or not, it’s important to establish rules and lay out expectations beforehand. Most dogs thrive with a little bit of structure.
First let your pooch become a pro at being gentle with one game or exercise and then move on to the next. Eventually you may be able to move on to the activities that once brought out a bit of rough play. But if it’s best to completely skip a game, that’s okay too!
Having certain commands your dog understands can be really helpful when teaching them to play gently. That way, when you notice a slight change in behavior or body language, a simple command can stop your pup in his tracks.
Provide Plenty Of Exercise & Socialization
All work and no play is never a good idea. Not even for humans! If your pup isn’t receiving proper exercise and socialization, then their basic needs aren’t being met as best as they could be. Over time, this could cause a dog or puppy to play rough.
That’s why it’s important to take your dog for daily walks or find other ways to get in a bit of exercise. Regular outdoor stimulation is important. When your four-legged friend’s social and physical needs are met, they’re less likely to be a puppy who plays too rough.
Changing a puppy’s behavior takes time. And patience. Now that you’ve equipped yourself with some tips and tricks to fix rough puppy play, it’s a good idea to stock up on your pup’s favorite Blue Ridge Naturals treats. Training treats make a wonderful reward, and let your dog know that their gentle behavior isn’t going unnoticed!
If you enjoyed this, read “The Ultimate Guide to Boating with Dogs – How to Prepare!”
