Dogs Role of Play in Dog Training
Puppies and young dogs learn a lot about their environment during play sessions either with humans or other dogs. It helps evolve social hierarchy, builds confidence, establishes bonds and simulates the mind. Play motivates your dog and is one of the most valuable tools in your training tool kit.
Young dogs are not only influenced by the games they play during upbringing, but also by its interpretation of the rules that are applied during these games. During tug-o-war games for example, if your dog wins every time, they soon learn that by using their strength, they can take possession of items every time. Other rules to apply during play include never fetching a toy for your dog, and never chase your dog when they have retrieved an object.
There are lots of games that are constructive and fun for your puppy or dog to learn, whilst at the same time building understanding of training commands:
Take-it and Drop-it
Teaching our dogs to give us objects is an important first step for any dog. Begin with a toy that you can hold one end and your dog hold the other. Wiggle it around and make it enticing, then offer it to your dog and say 'take it'. Just as your dog closes its mouth around the toy, say 'drop it' and gently take it from his mouth. Immediately give the toy back or throw it for her.Have a small piece of ham or other nice treat at hand. If your dog does not immediately release, hold the treat next to his nose and as he releases to get the treat, say 'drop it'.
Repeat this throughout the day using different objects. Not only is this exercise fun for your dog, because you are not holding onto the object, it also helps against possessive tendencies and stealing. It also makes it easier to get items back and to redirect attention the other, perhaps more appropriate items.
Fetch
Many dogs love this game, particularly retrievers and other working dogs. Once the game of Fetch is learned, it is a great way to give exercise and mental stimulation while you stand still.
Start with his favourite toy as he moves towards it, toss it only a few feet away. As soon as his mouth closes around toy, say "take it", once he has the toy start clapping and running away from him to entice him towards you. As soon as he gets to you, ask him to 'drop-it'. He needs to understand that you are not going to take possession of the toy when he brings it back, so immediately throw the toy again.
Initially avoid throwing the toy to far and don't play the game to long. Also try not to distract your dog while he is chasing the toy and its okay if he drops it on the way back. At least he is retrieving, but over time gradually hold out for a better and better retrieves. Use the 'drop-it' command every time without fail, as it is this command that you are working on during this play session.
Catch
It is always fun watching a dog catch and it is also a very good exercise for mental stimulation and eye-mouth coordination. It can take a while for young dogs to develop the necessary co-ordination for catching items, but you will see some amusing attempts whilst learning. Start with small pieces of ham or cheese and toss them near your dog's nose using the word 'catch' at the same time. Overtime you can increase the distance and move onto small toys in place of treats.
The 'catch' game can also be developed onto using Frisbee's. This can be extremely good fun but care needs to be taken. First of all, you should not us standard hard plastic Frisbees as these can seriously damage you dog's teeth as well as cutting mouths and gums. We always recommend using properly designed dog Frisbees such. Playing Frisbee is also not recommended for young or aging dogs as the often contorted leaps and abnormal landing can cause injury.
Toys such as the Launch-A-Ball are also popular for increasing the range of your throwing skills and achieving a greater degree of exercise.
Find mum and dad
This is a great game for teaching your dog who is who in the family and making coming to you an extremely rewarding experience. Start by each of you standing about 15ft apart. The first person makes a fuss over your puppy and then says 'Where's Dad' and at the same time dad starts clapping and attracting the dog towards him. When the puppy arrives, dad makes a bit fuss, gives a treat and then says 'Where's Mum'. Mum then starts clapping and drawing attention to herself, running away if need be. Praise and reward the puppy the second they arrive. Repeat this a few times, but quit while your puppy still thinks this is a really fun game.
Find the Toy
This game is hugely stimulating and helps develop search and smell skills and can eventually be used to help find lost articles.
Start with your dogs favourite toy, then hide it behind you. Ask your dog 'where's toy' and encourage him to find it. When he does, make a big fuss and play a short game. Over time increase the distance at which the toy is hidden and encourage in the right direction if he is having difficulty. As your dog develops his finding skill, start to introduce different toys and giving them uniquely sounding names.
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