Playtime with your dog

Play is one of the best forms of exercise for a puppy. Fifteen minutes of vigorous play can be equivalent to an hour's walk. And games are also good vocabulary builders.

When it's all part of a game, your puppy will very quickly learn the meaning of many words. It also gives you an excellent opportunity to observe his actions and reactions and to become acquainted with his innate character. The earliest games of very young puppies are based on fighting, biting, chasing, and tug of war.

At 8 or 9 weeks, they develop an interest in retrieving - ball games, even all by themselves. Between 8 and 12 weeks, they enjoy playing with people as much as, or more than, with their littermates. You need to find an enclosed area for playtime for safety reasons.

If you cannot find a safe outdoor space, play with your dog only in your own home. There are many simple, harmless games your dog will enjoy, such as retrieving sticks and chew toys, or playing ball -you roll it or toss it.

Playing tag is a favorite game puppies love to play with each other, but it is not a good game for adult dogs. They can become overexcited and bring out the attacking instinct. It is just as bad to chase your dog. He should be trained to come to you, not to run away from you.

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