But play serves a number of important roles. Why do puppies play? The short answer is because it's fun. After around 8 or 9 weeks, the urge to play begins to drop off, although they will still be very playful. In fact, from 3 weeks of age puppies spend a lot of time playing with their fellow pups. Puppies learn a lot in those early weeks while they are still with their mom and littermates. Here’s why puppy play is an important part of puppy class. But only around 70% of puppy classes include play (Cutler et al, 2017). Puppy class is a great way to get some socialization. But it’s up to you to build on that early socialization, because the sensitive period continues until about 12-14 weeks. When you bring them home at about 8 weeks, the breeder will have already done some socialization (provided you picked a responsible breeder). In these situations you could try speaking to a behaviourist or a KCAI instructor to help you get the right balance.Puppies have a lot to learn. However, if they continue to seek your attention, it could suggest that their needs aren't being met. If you’re often baffled by what your dog wants, you could help by training them to do specific activities when they want specific things, like fetching their leash if they want a walk, or going to their bowl if they want food. Although being stared at may make you feel uncomfortable, it is a much better behaviour than barking, chewing or biting for attention.

That could be a treat, a stroke, a cuddle, a toy, or they get taken out for a walk or to use the toilet. How can you possibly resist them? You may not realise it, but your dog has learnt that if they look at you in a certain way then you’re more likely to give them what they want. If your dog stares at you then they may be trying to get your attention or 'tell' you something that’s important to them, but what is the question!? Dogs have very expressive eyes that are great at persuading you to help them.

Puppies love to play reading