May 17, 2011
We need some ideas for playing with our dog. He does not fetch, retrieve, or anything of that nature. Any suggestions would be great!
Full Question:
Hi,I have a 4 year old dog who has lived with us for about 2 years now. Due to issues with strangers, other dogs, and anxiety we have found a wonderful trainer and have been actively involved in obedience training for several months. The trainer has also assisted us in making changes in our home to establish pack order. He's made huge gains and we no longer consider rehoming him as we did when he first arrived. My question now is that we need some ideas for "playing." He loves to go on walks (and if he were allowed, chase squirrels and other moving animals!). However, he does not fetch, retrieve, or anything of that nature. He's very, very food driven. Although he is exercised a lot, there are some days that we don't get to a walk. I would love to be able to have a good game of fetch with him on those days, or any other game. The kids (9,11 years) would also like a way to interact with him in a playful way. He does have a tug toy but that doesn't interest him for long. Any suggestions or resources you could direct me to to increase our play time would be great!
Thanks!
Cindy's Answer:
Since he has really good food drive, I’d first teach him a new communication system using the food. We just released a new series that starts off with using food and then progressing to the tug. Once the dog will play with you and the tug, you can transfer to a ball or other item.
It’s a great way to exercise him mentally and also interact with him in a constructive way that builds his relationship with you. I think your kids are old enough to do this work also, so it would be a win-win situation.
The Power of Training Dogs with Markers
The Power of Training Dogs with Food
The Power of Playing Tug with Your Dog
You can try using the search function on the website to find the answer to any additional questions. It is located in the left hand corner of every page on our website. Simply type in your search terms or key words and you will be directed to articles, question & answers, free streaming videos and posts on our forum.
I hope this helps. Cindy
It’s a great way to exercise him mentally and also interact with him in a constructive way that builds his relationship with you. I think your kids are old enough to do this work also, so it would be a win-win situation.
The Power of Training Dogs with Markers
The Power of Training Dogs with Food
The Power of Playing Tug with Your Dog
You can try using the search function on the website to find the answer to any additional questions. It is located in the left hand corner of every page on our website. Simply type in your search terms or key words and you will be directed to articles, question & answers, free streaming videos and posts on our forum.
I hope this helps. Cindy
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