Bonding with Your Puppy: 10 Fun Things to Do Together

Check out this fun activities to do with your pup and if you're looking for an easy way to train your pup to be the dog of your dreams check out Puppy Preschool

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1. Play fetch: Puppies love to chase and retrieve objects, so playing fetch is a fun and interactive activity you can do together.

2. Go on a mini hike: Exploring nature with your puppy is a great way to bond and get some exercise. Just make sure to choose a dog-friendly trail, keep it 30 minutes to an hour for young pups and take poop bags!

3. Visit a park: No I did NOT say Dog Park. A regular park. Socializing your puppy means showing them life, with activities going on around them.

Dog parks are the absolute worst idea for socialization. No one has a recall on their dog. Most don't understand play styles so you'll end up with rough and tough running over the timid dog. It's like taking your kid to a mosh pit and calling it "day care" Just don't!

4. Teach them new tricks: Puppies are quick learners, so teaching them new tricks such as roll over, shake, and play dead can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.

5. Take them to the beach: If you live near a beach or lake, introducing your puppy to water and playing in the sand can be a fun adventure.

6. Have a puppy playdate: Organizing a playdate with another puppy is a great way for your furry friend to socialize and burn off some energy.

Important to note: you don't need to go overboard on this. Yes, exposing your pup to playing nicely with other dogs is a good thing. Setting yourself up for every day or your pup's going to be mad is anthropomorphism (the attribution of human characteristics or behavior an animal, or object). Dogs don't need daily friends. They need guidelines, exercise, rest, food (preferably healthy) and water. They are perfectly happy without daily playdates so don't over extend yourself or make your dog be friends with other dogs they don't even really want to hang out with. Find the few good "friends" and have casual playdates here and there.

7. Go on a road trip: Taking your puppy on a road trip can be a fun and exciting adventure, just make sure to plan ahead and bring all the necessary supplies.

8. Teach them agility: This doesn't have to be "real" agility equipment. Think of it as an obstacle course such as tunnels, jumps, and navigating over and under things. It's a fun and challenging activity for both of you.

9. Give them a puzzle toy: Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your puppy mentally stimulated and entertained, and can also help with their problem-solving skills.

10. Have a movie night: Spending a cozy night at home with your puppy, cuddling on the couch and watching a movie can be a fun and relaxing way to bond.

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