Game of Bones – “Control the Games, Control the Dog” Part I

Don’t we just love to play!

It’s just one of the reasons people and dogs get on so very well. If we cultivate play and use it for learning, it makes for a very fun, exciting and rewarding relationship with our canine companions.

My favourite games to cultivate are “tug-of-war,” “fetch” and “hide and seek”.

Tug-of-war

This is by far and away my most favourite game to play with my dogs. As with all games, there are rules to be followed:

1. Sit on the ground and drag a toy around yourself (rabbit run) to excite your puppy to try and catch it. Always play in shorts bursts to build up the desire to catch the object. Let him catch it and then swap it for a piece of food while you say “Give” or “Out” Immediately offer the toy back and play again. Always finish before he loses interest in the game. You want him to want more to build his interest in the game.

2. If you have someone you can play “piggy in the middle” with this also helps with building the desire to chase and grab, which is the foundation of a good game of tug-of-war. Always remember to let your puppy win (catch the toy), we all love to win at games and dogs are no exception. 

3. Once he is grabbing, catching, and giving the toy, then you can start the tugging. Again, build up slowly, always finish before he loses interest. When teaching tug-of-war, I keep my hands close to the puppies  mouth because “teeth on skin” gets a NRM (no reward marker, “Ah Ah”) or an abrupt end to the game. This helps with bite inhibition and targeting.

4. Once your puppy is giving nice strong tugs, you get down low, bring your puppy in close to your face  and whisper “Give” or “Out” and hold very still for a count of five. If he hasn’t released the toy, you know you have to work on the “Give” cue more. When the adrenaline levels are up from a good game of tug-of-war it can take a couple of seconds for the brain to engage. This is why you should become still and quiet when you want your puppy to release the toy.

Played correctly, tug-of-war is a great way to exercise both you and your dog. It builds your bond, gives you a great core workout and makes your puppy/dog smile.

Some dogs can play for hours, others not so much. It depends on the individual’s love of the game. Some dogs love to play with balls, some love to do trick training, some love to dance. Some love to do it all and some don’t like any of it. You have to work out what motivates your companion and use it accordingly.

up next,

Game of Bones – Part II

Fetch