Dog training games are perfect for teaching your pet how to be receptive towards learning new things. Games usually provide structure and help owners to communicate better with their dogs. There are many advantages to using the games method in dog training, as studies have shown that dogs respond more positively to training when the lessons are used within games that are fun and innovative. Another advantage of using a game is that it is also a form of exercise, thus keeping the animal healthy and active.
Fetch
Many dogs are natural fetchers and owners can use balls, sticks, or even stuffed toys to play this game. The basic idea of the game involves throwing the ball and the dog fetches the item and brings it back to the owner and the process is repeated. There can be variations to this game - owners just need to find creative ways of making it interesting. Dogs can also be rewarded with treats each time they fetch the item, exchanging the ball for a food treat.
Hide and Seek
This game teaches your dog the ‘wait' and 'seek' commands and enables use of the animal's sense of smell. It also provides mental stimulation: owners have the option to hide toys or they can choose to hide themselves. Start easy then make it more difficult to find the desired item. You can also use the ‘stay’ command with this game, using the command to keep the animal in place while you hide.
Tug of War
The tug of war is a very popular game played between dogs and their owners. The key feature is that the person takes control of the game! First choose a toy that will be used as the tug rope whenever this game is played and continue to use that specific item. Start by picking up the toy and enabling the dog to do the same. Give the animal a cue to let them know the game has started and another to tell him when to drop the item: you can also give them treats for holding one end of the toy while you hold the other. This game is good for dog training as it develops the dog's confidence and physical strength.
Frisbee
This is similar to ‘fetch’ except that it is played with a Frisbee. Start by throwing it close by and allowing the dog to retrieve it then as time progresses throw the Frisbee further and further away until he learns how to catch it. This game is not advisable for old dogs as it is intense and requires a lot of agility and strength.
Clean up your Toys
Get a reasonable number of toys and scatter them on the floor, then get a large box which the dog will use to put the items in, get the dog to pick up the items one at a time and place them in your hand, or into the box. Reward each gift from the dog with a treat.
Tunneling
This is a good form of mental exercise that also improves the dog’s agility. Set up fabric tunnels in the yard and find ways to coax the animal into going through them. You can also participate by running alongside the tunnel or waiting for the animal at the end of the tunnel where he can be rewarded with a tasty treat.
