3 Best Puppy Training Games

3 Most useful puppy training games to civilise unmanageable puppies.

First of all let me introduce Lola, she is our new whippet puppy, she comes from a distinguished Spanish family.

Her unexpected arrival (it was love at first sight), caused a bit of chaos in our busy household and we spent the first couple of weeks puppy proofing the house and creating a reasonable routine that suited our older dog, us and the new whippet puppy.

This is the story of our first months with Lola and our brave attempts to shape a civilized family member out of the wild creature we fell in love with.

I am sure you’ll find in our trial and errors lots of free puppy training tips and ideas about how to train a puppy.

Training your puppy doesn’t have to be a chore—in fact, it can be one of the most enjoyable and bonding parts of your relationship with your new dog. Puppy training games are an excellent way to teach obedience, socialization, and essential skills while keeping your puppy engaged, happy, and mentally stimulated. The best part? These games are fun for both of you.

Incorporating games into training taps into a puppy’s natural playfulness and eagerness to learn. Rather than relying on strict commands or long sessions, games allow for short bursts of positive reinforcement, which is often much more effective for young pups with short attention spans.

Why Puppy Training Games Work

Puppies, much like children, learn best when they’re having fun. Traditional training can feel repetitive or stressful if not approached correctly. Games add an element of excitement and help reinforce behaviors in real-life contexts. Whether you're teaching basic commands like "sit" and "stay," or working on recall and leash manners, turning the task into a game can accelerate learning and improve retention.

Additionally, training games can improve your pup’s confidence. Many puppies go through fear periods or experience hesitation in new situations. Games that involve problem-solving or exploration can help your dog become more adaptable and comfortable in various environments.

1 The Recall as a Puppy Training Game

Have a helper restrain your puppy while you hide (not too far at the beginning) than call the dog with your most alluring voice.

When the puppy finds you, reward him alternating food, cuddles and favorite toys to keep the game interesting.

Always stop the game before your puppy gets too tired to leave him eager for more.

Gradually increase the distance and the difficulty of your hiding spots.

2 Training a Puppy Not to Bite

Training a puppy not to bite and chew will preserve your fingers, furniture and sanity.

Young Lola is biting everything: carpets, remote controls, shoes and of course, my fingers.

OK, is a puppy way to know the world but those little needle teeth can be so painful!

The best way to stop her is to let her know clear and loud that it hurts: I yelp!

3 Leave it! 

The Problem

When Lola is off leash she still picks up rubbish and refuses to let go. I would like to teach her to let go on command.

The Solution

With this puppy training game, the tug of war, she’ll learn (hopefully) to leave things when I ask her to and I'll curb her annoying chewing habits.

She’ll be rewarded as long as she plays by my rules.

She will have to be in a sit or down position before starting the game and let go of the toy when I ask her to.

It is definitely not the right puppy training game for and aggressive or dominant dog but Lola is certainly not aggressive so I think she is the perfect candidate for this training game.

The Outcome

We have being playing the tug game for few days now. We like to play in the evening, when Lola seems to be restless.

At this time of the day she becomes playful and unless I channel her energy into something constructive, she goes into hyperactive mode and may get destructive chewing on furniture and whatever she finds interesting, including our fingers.

To protect the furniture and my most treasured possessions during these activity spells, we play tug of war and then, just like any worn out child, she goes to her bed for a well deserved nap.

Today, during our daily walk I finally savoured the sweet fruit of puppy training games success. I asked Lola to drop a piece of garbage she had just picked up and, surprise... she obeyed!

More Popular Puppy Training Games to Try

Here are some highly effective training games that can be incorporated into your routine at home or outside:

 The Name Game

This game reinforces your puppy’s name and helps with focus. Sit in a quiet room with your puppy. Say their name, and when they look at you, reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually increase distractions and distance. Over time, your pup will associate their name with positive attention and start responding more reliably.

Find It

This game taps into your puppy’s incredible sense of smell. Start by showing them a treat and letting them watch you place it a short distance away. Say “Find it!” and encourage them to sniff it out. As they get the hang of it, increase the difficulty by hiding treats behind furniture or under objects. This not only sharpens their senses but helps build patience and problem-solving skills.

Recall Tag

Recall training is critical for your puppy’s safety. Turn it into a game by playing tag with a partner. Stand across the room from each other and take turns calling the puppy. Each time they run to the correct person, offer a treat and lots of praise. This game reinforces the “come” command and teaches them to respond even in a more energetic, exciting environment.

Obstacle Course Adventure

Set up a mini obstacle course using household items—think broomsticks for jumps, boxes to crawl under, or towels to weave through. Use treats to guide your puppy through the course. Not only does this provide physical exercise, but it also encourages your dog to follow your direction and think through new challenges.

Building a Routine Around Games

Consistency is key when using puppy training games. Try to incorporate a few short sessions daily—just 5 to 10 minutes at a time. Rotate between games to keep things fresh and ensure you're targeting different skills. Keep in mind that puppies tire quickly, both physically and mentally, so short, upbeat sessions will yield the best results.

Also, always end each game on a positive note. If your puppy struggles with a particular challenge, switch to something they know well so they leave feeling successful. This helps maintain enthusiasm for learning and avoids frustration.

Socialization Through Play

Games are also an excellent way to expose your puppy to new experiences. Playing in different environments, such as the backyard, a quiet park, or even a dog-friendly store, helps them generalize commands and feel comfortable in various settings. Puppy training games that involve interactions with other people or calm dogs can also improve social skills, reducing the risk of anxiety or aggression later on.

Another benefit is the strengthening of your bond. Puppies look to their humans for guidance and approval, and shared play sessions build trust. Over time, your puppy will learn that good behavior leads to fun and praise—an invaluable lesson for a well-behaved adult dog.

Tools and Treats to Enhance the Experience

To make your training sessions even more engaging, stock up on a few helpful items:

• High-value treats: Small, soft, and smelly treats work best for training games. Make sure they’re something your puppy doesn’t get all the time.
• Clicker: If you’re using clicker training, it can be an excellent tool to mark correct behavior instantly.
• Toys: Use tug toys, balls, or puzzle feeders to add excitement and variety.
• Leash and harness: These are essential for outdoor games, especially in unsecured areas.

Make sure you use puppy-safe equipment and supervise closely, especially if your pup is still learning boundaries.

Encouraging Lifelong Learning

The skills your puppy develops during these early months will shape their behavior as adults. Puppy training games provide the foundation for a lifetime of good habits, responsiveness, and mutual respect. More than just a playful pastime, they are an investment in your dog’s mental and emotional well-being.

Whether you're preparing your puppy for obedience classes, social outings, or simply a harmonious home life, training games are a joyful, effective, and bonding way to help your pup become the best version of themselves.

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