Games to Play with Your Puppy Inside the Puppy Pen

A puppy pen shouldn’t only be a containment space. And if that’s what you also think, this article is for you. The focus of this article is on how to make a crate feel like home for your pet. Playing is extremely important for puppies, and that’s why we’ll show you some of the games you could play with your pet. But you will also find out more about the importance of playing. So, before running to the pet shop, let’s take a look at some of the activities you could enjoy with your little pet.

Playtime is Essential for Your Pet

The physical and mental well-being of your dog is affected by the lack of playtime. Pet owners are often tired after working all day and they tend to forget to play with their dog. They will maybe just take the dog for a quick walk and that’s it. But dogs love company and affection. They like when you talk to them and give them attention. Moreover, dogs really need the exercise, as us all. We, both humans and animals, need to move. Your dog’s bones, muscles and joints need constant moving in order to remain healthy. Exercise also helps with maintaining a healthy weight.

As for the mental part, playing can help strengthen the dog’s brain. Their memory and reflexes can always be improved. And, if your pet is old, it’s vital to try to maintain the skills they have, as they are at risk. Playtime is also bonding time. It’s when you spend time with your dog and your love for each other grows. Pets are like children. They need to know that you love them, but that you are still the boss at the end of the day. This article published by Denvervet, you learn more about the importance of playtime.

Games in the Puppy Pen

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a big yard to play with your dog. If you have a pet, and you want to crate train it, having some options for puppy pen games is amazing. The first game is a classical one, but with a twist. Play some hide and seek with treats and toys. Hide your puppy’s favorite treats and toys under towels and cups, and let your pet find them. This game teaches nose work, while the dog is also excited and curious. Start with just one or two hidden treats, and increase the difficulty of the game every day.

Another game that you might try is peek-a-boo. See? Puppies really are just like children. It’s not hard to keep them entertained. Get a towel, or something that you can use to hide your face, and play the game. You’ll notice the puppy’s ears going up immediately. You could also put a sock on your hand and play with the puppy like this. It teaches focus and caution, as the dog won’t know it’s you (at least not at first). Make sure that you don’t leave the sock in the puppy pen afterwards, as your puppy might choke on it.

Bubble Chase to The Pet Shop

You are in luck, because you can find pet friendly bubbles at the pet shop! Regular bubbles have lots of soap in them, which can be toxic for your pets. Animals, especially dogs, will jump to catch and eat the bubbles. If they ingest to much soap, it could cause some problems. That’s why you want to go to the pet shop and find some pet-safe options. You could create a game with bubbles while your dog is in the puppy pen. Just blow some bubbles in the pen and watch your puppy run around. This game helps them waste some energy, which can lead to a few hours of sleep.

After the nap, you could teach your puppy some new things. Every time you introduce a new toy, give it a name, or just make sure to refer to the toy the same every time. As an example, if you have a toy that’s shaped as a bunny, call it ‘Bunny’. Then, as a little game, you could tell your dog to fetch ‘Bunny’, and then another toy. It really helps with their memory and their word association skills. This type of game is not tiring for you, while still being entertaining for the pet. This is when of those times when you realize how cute your pet is!

Have Fun Trainings

Training your puppy to answer to simple commands can be stressful, but it can also be fun. Get all of the treats and toys that you need from your nearest pet shop, and start the training. If you are not sure what treats or kibbles to buy, the pet shop owners can surely give you some recommendations. You can use treats to guide your puppy through simple motions. Do not get angry with your pet, and try to always talk as nicely as you can. If your puppy gets annoyed or stressed, end the training session immediately. You want to maintain a good vibe, so that you can convince the pet to try next time too.

Another game that won’t tire you is to play the puppy some sounds. Play different animal sounds, and watch your puppy react; this is a nice exercise especially in the first few weeks of life. This will help when the puppy grows, because they won’t be scared of every sound they hear. You will be able to vacuum the house without your dog constantly barking. This article published by petMD talks more about dog’s phobia of sounds.

Conclusion

Your pet’s time in the puppy pen doesn’t have to be boring. It’s actually your chance to do some training, and spend some quality time with your puppy. Playtime is vital for dogs, both young and old, and it should never be ignored. Help your pet improve its physical and mental health by playing and bonding.