Do you have a bored dog that becomes overly excited during playtime? Are you struggling to find ways to keep your dog occupied or teach them how to play gently? Playing with your dog can be a fulfilling experience if done correctly. To help, we have compiled a list of three enjoyable games that you and your canine companion can participate in.
Structured play
In order to have a successful play session with a big dog, it is essential to establish clear boundaries and rules for the game. It’s difficult to do so during unstructured play or playing rough, as dogs can easily become overly excited and inattentive. However, by organizing the games, you can maintain control of the situation while ensuring that your dog remains happy and engaged. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
1. Scent Games For Labradors
Astonishing olfactory abilities are possessed by dogs. It’s not solely bloodhounds that are adept at tracking a scent trail. Labradors also possess this skill. Lay out a scent trail with a treat at the end, and see your dog utilize their sense of smell to follow it. You must initiate with brief and basic trails, and also have a few pieces of equipment at your disposal.
Equipment for dog scent games
It is advisable to put your dog on a harness and a lead before laying a scent trail with a cloth drenched in roast meat juices. Also, remember to bring along some small portions of roast chicken or beef steak as a reward for your dog at the end of the trail.
Your first scent trail
Create a straight path on a clear plot of land for your dog to follow and ensure that your dog is not visible while doing so.
Step 1
Designate the start of the path using either a rock or a cone to ensure you remember where to commence tracking. Drag your fabric for a distance of three feet and leave a small piece of delectable food at the end.
Step 2
Retrieve your dog and bring him to the initial marker. Observe as he explores and tracks the scent to locate the reward.
Step 3
After several repetitions, he will grasp the concept of the game in no time. From there, you can introduce more enjoyable elements to enhance the game experience.
Making scent work it more difficult
To increase the difficulty of the game, consider extending the length of your trails and adding twists and turns to create a more winding path. After several weeks of practice, you’ll be capable of designing intricate trails for your dog to enjoy during the scent game. Additionally, you can switch to an indoor game for the next round.
2. Statues
This game involves instructing your dog to remain completely motionless while you circumambulate him. Be cautious not to tread on his tail while crossing behind him. You can gradually train your dog with the aid of an event marker to indicate if he is performing correctly.
Your event marker
An event marker is a signal produced every time the dog accomplishes a task, which can either be a spoken word such as ‘Good’ or ‘Yes’, or a clicking sound generated by mouth or a clicker. Remember to give the dog a treat every time the event marker is used.
Step 1
Start by placing your dog beside you and remaining stationary while closely observing him. Once he is absolutely motionless, indicate your approval and offer a reward.
Step 2
To proceed, you need to identify and incentivize a duration of 3 seconds without movement. In the case of restless dogs, it might be necessary to first acknowledge 2 seconds before advancing to 3.
Step 3
Once your dog can maintain a motionless position for 3 seconds, it is appropriate to instruct him on remaining still while you modify your leg. To commence, merely lift one foot off the ground and return it. If he remains fixed in place, acknowledge and compensate him. However, if he shifts or squirms, revert back to standing motionless for 3 seconds, and then endeavor a smaller action of your foot.
Making it more difficult
After he masters this skill, you can move on to larger leg movements. Remember, he cannot make any movements. If he does, simplify the activity temporarily. After giving him a reward, allow him to roam for a bit before having him return to sit next to you for the next try.
Within a series of 5 to 10 games, each consisting of 5 minutes, you can advance from simply lifting your leg to sidestepping, then to backwards stepping, all while your dog remains still. Gradually, you will be able to step forward, pivot and face your dog. Additionally, you can step backward and sideways, and even cross over your dog’s tail. But be cautious not to step on it inadvertently.
After mastering the trick of having your dog sit still like a statue, it won’t be long before you can move around them with ease. Keep in mind that this game demands focus, and your dog may want to run around outside once it’s done.
3. Find the dog toy
This game is loved by dogs who have an attachment to their toys.
Step 1
Choose a toy your dog really loves. Use the name of the toy a lot whilst your dog is holding and playing with it.
Step 2
Either have someone hold your dog or make him sit, then take his toy through an open doorway and put it on the floor in another room where he can see it. Return to your dog and command him to find his toy using an enthusiastic tone. Praise him when he locates it.
Step 3
After practicing a few times, start adding complexity to the task.
Making it more difficult
Gradually increase your dog’s skill level by strategically placing the toy out of sight until he enters the room. Avoid hiding it under anything initially. Once your dog has played a few more games, you can make it more challenging by concealing the toy under a cardboard box or cushion. Additionally, you may train your dog to recognize different names for various toys and observe if they can select the correct one.
BONUS: Dog training 101 — How to set realistic goals and where to get started
Kayla Fratt, the owner of Journey Dog Training and a certified dog behavior consultant, believes that enabling canines to feel at ease in their own skin and in the lifestyle they lead with their owners is a fundamental objective that should be pursued for every dog.
Regardless of the scenario – be it adopting a new puppy or living with a long-time canine companion – every dog can improve their skills through continuous training over the course of their lifetime.
Wondering where to initiate the process? Searching for “dog trainers near me” on the internet may cause you to feel bewildered due to the numerous options, certifications, and jargon. The internet offers a wealth of knowledge, but it can be challenging to navigate it all. Therefore, we sought advice from specialists on how to begin. Here are their recommendations:
Identify your training goals
Dog training can be classified into two main levels. One level involves skills training and basic manners, which includes teaching a dog various commands such as sit, stay and lie down. This level is usually handled by a dog trainer. The other level is concerned with addressing any behavioral problems a dog may have, such as anxiety, aggression or fearfulness. For this level, it is recommended to consult a dog behavioral consultant such as Brianna Dick from Pack Leader Help.
“The way that I approach dog training is behavioral psychology based,” says Dick, who is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. “We’re not looking at just the physical behaviors of dogs. We’re looking at their emotions and the relationship they have with their humans.”
Begin with behavior training, which is the more complex of the two, if you require training for both skills and behavior. Though a dog trainer may educate your dog to sit, a dog behavior consultant will have better knowledge of assisting your dog with separation anxiety.
Be realistic.
Fratt states that not all dogs will enjoy going to the dog park, just as not all humans will enjoy going to raves.
Kim Brophey, who owns The Dog Door Behavior Center, is an applied ethologist and a mediator for family dogs. She authored the book “Meet Your Dog: The Game Changing Guide To Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior.” Brophey uses the L.E.G.S framework to clarify dog behavior, which stands for learning, environment, genetics, and self. For instance, if your guests are being barked at by your dog.
Brophey suggests that the breed of dog may have been chosen for centuries to protect against intruders entering through the front door. As a German shepherd’s instinct to safeguard its property cannot be eliminated through training, one may have to adjust their anticipations.
Decide how you’d like to train your dog.
When considering various training methods, there are several choices available such as group classes, one-on-one training, board and train, day training, and self-led training, among others. While group classes are more affordable, they offer less individualized attention. However, board and train options are pricier and could pose higher risks, according to Fratt.
“If the trainer spends all this time training the dog in this really specific context and then basically just hands you the leash, takes your check and walks away, there’s a very good chance you’re not actually going to be able to implement those new strategies and skills … successfully in your home.”
Your decision will be influenced by both your financial resources and your objectives for instruction. When considering an issue such as your dog exhibiting hostile behavior towards another dog inside your dwelling, training done away from the home may not be the most effective solution.
It should be noted that you will need to participate in your dog’s training, but it doesn’t need to consume a significant portion of your time. Fratt claims that she devotes only five minutes per day to training her dog. Many of the assignments given by trainers can be enjoyable and easily incorporated into your daily routine.
Our experts recommend free or low-cost online resources for dog training, which can save you a significant amount of money.
- Kikopup on Youtube and Instagram
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
- K9 of Mine
Understand the methodologies.
There are no regulations in the field of dog training, so anyone can promote themselves as a trainer using a website, Instagram page, or a physical store. As a result, there is no established set of guidelines to follow when it comes to training methods, leading to conflicting opinions among trainers. However, trainers tend to fall into two general categories.
The initial category pertains to the trainers who employ positive reinforcement techniques, like Fratt. Such techniques involve rewarding the dog with something pleasant, such as a treat, in response to good behavior to encourage repetition. It can also involve providing something pleasant to the dog to alter their perception of something they may find frightening, thereby providing them with a positive encounter.
Another type of trainer, such as Brianna Dick, adopts a more balanced approach. These trainers employ positive reinforcement techniques but are open to utilizing tools like e-collars to offer corrections during training.
According to Dick, E-collar training utilizes a collar worn by a dog that can be remote-controlled to provide a correctional stimulus to the neck through shock, sound, or citronella spray. E-collars that emit shocks are a contentious issue within the dog training community.
According to Dick, one should be cautious of any trainer who utilizes e-collars on all dogs since it is a one-size-fits-all approach that does not yield satisfactory outcomes. He suggests seeking a trainer who takes the time to understand the client, their bond with their pet, and their lifestyle.
Find a good trainer.
One way to find reputable positive reinforcement trainers or balanced trainers in your locality is to begin with lists gathered by professional organizations.
