What is up with the new “Google Doodle” game? The popular one today is the Popcorn Game. It sounds like fun for you and a friend! Let’s explore some fun and interactive games you can play with your Labra Doodle and Lab puppy.
I will start with the ones we start puppies on and gradually work into some fun interactive games when your puppy has mastered some basic commands.
1. Yoga Roll Out
The Yoga rollout game can be played on a yoga mat or any floor you and your puppy are comfortable with.
This is a fun game that I find helps with the stimulation of my smaller puppies. You can check out our training program here. Puppies often want to crawl on my stomach when lying on the floor. So keeping my arms on them I can gradually roll up and back down. This teaches them to trust me and also is a great exercise for both of us. Once they are active in the game you can have them jump on and off your stomach with a command. An early way to teach them a command such as come or jump on.
2. Crate Games
Before our puppies leave the ranch we work consistently with them in and out of the crate so they are comfortable sleeping for a couple hours at a time alone. So this fun game introduces the crate as a safe fun place. I simply throw a toy into the crate and have them fetch and return it. A very fun game for beginners both 2-legged and 4-legged. A game your toddler will love to play interacting with the puppy.
3. Magic Clip or Fetch
You can get creative on what you want your puppy to fetch once they have picked up on the command. I will use go get it for most training and others are commanding them to fetch. It is whatever our puppy gets used to. Hand signals also are a good backup to use in any command training. A way to teach your dog to fetch something for you. I use a leash and have them grab the leash and we go for a walk. Teaching to fetch a ball is similar. The trick is to reward them when they bring it back. With using the leash they learn that walking on a leash is a fun reward. Especially if you praise them for being good and let them have a bit of fun on their walks. Sometimes I use an extended leash to let them really investigate the area.
4. Search Game or Find the treat
You can use toys or treats, Start with hiding a toy they are most interested in. I like to play this game after they have been exercising and sometimes I will use a treat or bone. This is a game of scent and find also with using the Kong toy and placing some treats inside. For little puppies that haven’t learned the commands, I find this is an early introduction to hide and seek.
5. Propel Path
I like to use this game when we are teaching young puppies to follow us around. I often use the puppy call also and it is really fun and interactive for a group of puppies. The game involves teaching them confidence in following and trusting the leader in walking on different textures. Improves their balance at the same time. I like to use yoga mats, grated floors, a couple of steps, in-between ladders, and tires for the older pups. Use your imagination but just keep it safe for your puppy.
6. Game of Tag
I am not a big fan of this game, much like playing tug of war with your pup. It can lead to some bad behavior if you are not careful.
I see my puppies playing this game all the time when they are together. However it is not a game I suggest you play with your puppy. They will always want to run away from you as soon as they nudge you and you won’t get them to come back easily. Also with the tug of war game it doesn’t work to play this with a young puppy. You want to teach them to listen and follow you as their leader before introducing games such as this so they are not confused.
7. Walking down Steps
I mentioned the steps in the Follow the leader propel game above. Stairs can be frightening to many puppies. So this helps them trust you and builds strength and confidence in them. Gradually work up to a flight of stairs. If you have a small step stool that can be a good practice as they are young and gradually give them a couple of bottom steps to work with and gradually work more stairs into the game.
8. Muffin Tin Game
I like this game and it is so easy to keep them entertained, just as the name suggests it is a hide and seek but they have to find the right tin where the treat is. As the puppy learns to use their sense of smell and gentle touch to show you which tin. This is a game best played after you have trained your pup the wait / leave it command. I often use a version of this game when training dog for the field using a tall 5-gallon bucket to hide the bird in.
9. Doggy Push Ups
Just as the name implies ( Sit – Down – Stay) When your dog gets this you can do it alongside of them for some bonus exercise for you! Hint You can use the Plank for your stay.
10. Hot Zone (Stay)
A really fun game once your dog has mastered the stay. Adding distractions to make it especially hard for them to stay and really getting excited when they stay the longest! Your dog will love your excitement in this game. So whatever the length of stay is let your dog have fun!
I hope these little fun games to play with your Mini Labra doodle and lab helped you get creative with how you are training your puppy.
If you’re ready to welcome a dog into your home, we at Siess Ranch specialize in Mini to Medium Labradoodles and the AKC Labrador Retriever puppies. Feel free to check out our Labradoodle Nursery, and our Labrador Nursery or give us a call so we can answer any questions. You can even see what other Mini Labradoodle owners are saying about our pups!