Training Game 4.3

Go be a dog!

We can’t expect our dog to be focused all the time – it’s important that we also make sure our dog gets to be a dog and have fun too!

Rather than just ending a training session or a focus exercise and ignoring your dog, give them something else to do and encourage them to enjoy off-time too.

Today’s Games

Time Allowance:
Practice for 2-4 minute sessions and then take a break. Have a few sessions today.

Try fitting each short session into your routine; for example, while you wait for the kettle to boil, during the ad break of your TV show or while you wait for the computer to start up.

Family Participation:
Kids are often great dog trainers. Teach each child how to play this game safely.

If your dog is mouthy, jumpy or likely to get over-excited it might be best for you to get the behaviours established and then bring in the kids to help with practice.
Always supervise child-dog interactions and make sure children learn to leave the dog alone when eating his rewards.

Top Tip for Today’s Training Game:
Establish this exercise with your dog searching for food and then begin to transfer it to sniffing doggie areas.
This way you will always be able to give your dog some time-off to sniff, no matter where you are.

You will need:

Training Mix
toys or other high value rewards
leash, collar, things for walkies

Go Sniff!

Teach your dog to search and sniff on cue:

Link

It’s a great idea to work on this exercise because:

dogs gotta sniff
dog love to sniff
sniffing provides great exercise
having sniffing on cue allows your dog to get his sniffing-jollies when it best suits
you can divert your dog’s attention before he gets distracted or upset
you can reward your dog with the opportunity to sniff
you can provide your dog with a bit of relief after excitement
and you can let your dog go be a dog!