There are few things in life that provide more joy and excitement than bringing home a puppy! If you recently added a new furry addition to the family, you may have some questions about your puppy’s behavior. Usual concerns are about if they’ve been teething or are having some trouble potty training. Maybe you’re concerned about the fact that your puppy isn’t playing on his own.
It’s normal to have some concerns, especially since puppies are known for their rambunctious and crazy play! If you’ve ever asked yourself “why won’t my puppy play on his own?” then you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about puppies, play, and alone time.
Why Won’t My Puppy Play On His Own?
The simple answer is that both full grown dogs and young puppies don’t really prefer to play by themselves.
Dogs are highly social animals that thrive in the company of other animals and their people. Most dogs and puppies won’t play alone. This is especially the case for puppies, since in their first few weeks of life, they’re used to playing with their littermates and frolicking around together.
Playing can help your puppy bond with you, develop social skills, challenge them mentally and physically, and prevent undesired behaviors.
Transitioning from having constant connection with their mother and their littermates to being in a new environment can be challenging for some puppies. If you have a multi-pet household, this usually won’t be a problem, since most puppies acclimate easier if there are older animals in the house that they can learn the ropes from.
If your puppy is by himself, he may have a harder time learning the art of play, or he could be lost about how he should entertain himself.
How to Encourage Your Puppy to Play By Himself
Toys are essential for keeping your puppy happy and healthy. However, if your puppy doesn’t know how to use the toys he has, or is having a harder time understanding how to play by himself, then it’s important to encourage him to play on his own. Dogs are quick learners and are eager to please their owners. If you stress the importance of self-play to your puppy, he should be able to pick up the concept fairly quickly.
Begin by introducing one toy to your puppy. This can be a ball, rope toy, or chew toy. This can be trial and error. Some dogs prefer chew toys while others prefer things they can chase. It’s important to learn what toys your puppy gravitates towards. Give your puppy the chosen toy and encourage him to play with it by playing with him at first.
Do not let him get sick of the toy. Before he loses his interest in the current toy, switch to another toy. Continue the cycle of changing out toys before he gets tired. After he’s had a chance to play with all his toys, lay them out on the floor and let him take his pick of what he wants to play with. Encourage him to play by himself without touching or taking the toys. If your dog likes to chew on things, you should check out the best dog toys for chewers.
Another way to encourage your puppy to play by himself is to introduce interactive food toys. Shove kibble in a Kong or freeze cream cheese or peanut butter in a slow feeder. Since dogs are highly food motivated, this should be enough to incentivize them to play with the toy at hand alone. Continue this cycle regularly to ensure your puppy is indulging in healthy alone time.
Rule Out Any Medical or Behavioral Issues
It’s no secret that puppies love to play. They love to get into things that they shouldn’t like shoes, slippers, or even the trash! While some puppies don’t like to play alone and you may have to teach them, your puppy should want to play. It’s a sign of good health and normal behavior. If your puppy isn’t playing by himself, with you, or with other dogs, it might be a sign that there’s an underlying issue.
If your puppy had a rough start to life, whether they have a sad rescue story or were bred via puppy mill, they may not know what play is. Early socialization is key to preventing a plethora of unwanted behaviors and excessive fear or anxiety. If your puppy didn’t get early socialization, it’s important to start as soon as possible. Play groups or visits to the dog park can be great as long as your puppy is at the age where they’re fully vaccinated.
If you notice any other strange behavior, like lethargy or general disinterest, it’s time for a trip to the vet. Puppies’ immune systems are much more fragile than an adult dogs. This can help clear up any serious medical concerns and you can rest assured that with treatment, your puppy can go back to his playful self in no time!
