Older dogs naturally train puppies through play by teaching them important social, behavioral, and physical skills. Here are some ways they do it: 1. Bite Inhibition: Older dogs often tolerate gentle nipping but will correct a puppy if it bites too hard. This teaches the pup to control the force of its bite. 2. Social Boundaries: Through play, older dogs teach puppies what’s acceptable behavior. If a pup gets too rough or overexcited, the older dog may use a gentle growl or a body block to set boundaries. 3. Self-Control: Puppies learn to regulate their energy and impulses by observing and responding to an older dog’s cues during play. 4. Communication Skills: Puppies learn canine body language, such as play bows, tail wagging, and when to back off, by interacting with experienced dogs. 5. Confidence Building: Play sessions with a calm, patient older dog help puppies build confidence and learn how to interact with dogs of all sizes. 6. Physical Coordination: Wrestling, chasing, and tug-of-war help puppies develop muscle coordination and agility, with the older dog pacing the play appropriately. 7. Problem Solving: Older dogs often introduce small challenges, like making the pup work harder for a toy, helping it develop problem-solving skills. 8. Calm Behavior: After active play, older dogs model how to relax and settle down, teaching puppies that rest is part of life, too. This natural mentorship strengthens the bond between dogs while preparing the puppy for balanced interactions with other animals and humans.
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