play teaches

The puppies are now in the stage where they are playing any time they are awake.  They play with each other.

They play with the big dogs

They play with people

They play with toys

They play with the cat

Play is how they learn to use their bodies well.  It is also how they learn that how to treat different categories of animal.  From other dogs to cats to different sizes and shapes of people puppies should meet lots of new friends.  Then they will grow up to be a well socialized dog who is not scared of new and different people or animals.  They develop new pathways in their brain that direct movements they will use their entire lives!

Play is also how they learn bite inhibition- one of the most important skills a pet dog can have.  The puppies teach each other how to bite gently by crying out suddenly and stopping their play any time one of them gets too rough.  They learn that if you bite hard you don't get to play! 

If an adult dog learns is gentle when he bites he is said to have good bite inhibition.  This means that if he ever has a disagreement with another dog that turns into a fight it is less likely to turn into a visit to the vet.  It also means that if the dog gets so scared he bites a person he will probably not break the skin.  It is very important for puppies to do lots of play biting when they are young so they can learn how to do it right!