Ever wonder why your pooch is so darn playful?
According to a Discovery News article, a recent study shows that dogs are so adapted to living with us that their urge to play overrides some of their other instincts. The study indicates that dogs are willing to put aside their fear of strangers when inticed with their favorite game. This trait is so widespread that it occured in all the dogs used in the study, regardless of breed or sex.
Though this trait is quite maladaptive for wild-living animals, it is an advantage for those of us who take part in the rehabilitation of fearful shelter dogs. The study found that dogs which play most often were less fearful and more motivated. In fact, the researcher tells us that “the more [owners] play with their dogs, and we mean the more types of games as well, the better.”
So? On with the games!!
Fetch: Start with items that are easy and inticing to catch. These most likely will be soft and light toys, perhaps ones that squeak and make odd noises. Basically, find a toy that your dog likes and is driven to play with. Intice your dog to fetch that toy by playing a game of tug or keep-away and then tossing it just a few feet to the side. Get your dog to bring the toy back by pulling another fun toy out of your back pocket. This toy will need to at least be as fun as the toy your dog already has, but the more fun it is the better. Encourage your dog to drop the toy he has by playing with the second toy and making a big fuss over it. Most dogs will drop the toy they have for the prospect of playing with the toy that you’re having fun with. You can simply switch off which toy you throw. If your dog prefers to keep his original toy, try using treats to encourage your dog to drop it for you, then resume playing with that one. Keep the game fun by tossing the toy further away and in odd directions.
Catch Me: This game encourages your dog to follow your lead and stick close to you. Start by grabbing a favored toy, those that make sounds are typically the best. Stick the toy in your pocket (big sweater pockets work) or hide it in your hands behind you. Walk non-chalantly beside your dog and when he is not looking, give the toy a squeak. When your dog looks up to you say “good” and pull the toy out of your pocket. With an excited, high pitched voice, encourage your dog to follow you around by luring him with the toy, squeaking it all the while. Only let your dog grab the toy when he is next to you, and keep your hand locked to the other end. Run all over the yard in erratic movements, then give an “okay” and replace the toy into your pocket. Wait until your dog is distracted and squeak the toy again to resume the game.
Find It: For this game you will need some treats your dog loves and that have a distinct smell. Start by showing your dog a treat and (while the dog is looking) hide the treat under something that is obvious (like a cushion). Tell your dog to “find it” in a happy voice and let him go for the treat. If your dog does not go for it at first, help him out by lifting the cushion up. Repeat this exersize until your dog is happily diving for the treat, and then upgrade to putting the treat in a variety of spots. Once your dog is confident in his treat-searching skills try putting your dog in another room and hiding a treat in one of the spots you had hidden a treat before. Let your dog loose and encourage him to “find it”. You might have to help your dog by standing close to where you hid the treat, or even by showing where it is directly. Once your dog is happily finding treats throughout the house you can vary the reward by using less smelly treats and toys; just remember to always keep it exciting and help your dog out when needed. This is a great game to play with dogs who are timid in odd situations because you can hide a treat anywhere and encourage your dog to find it.
Soccer Dog: This game requires a toy that is too big for your dog to pick up and also rolls, such as a soccer ball or basketball. Start by putting a treat right next to the base of the ball and encourage your dog to “roll it” by letting him take the treat. After a number of trials try telling your dog to “roll it” without putting the treat down. If your dog goes to the ball and looks for the treat, reward him excitedly and move on to the next step. This time, put a treat down, but even closer to the base of the ball and tell your dog to “roll it” to get the treat. Repeat this exercise by putting the treat closer to the ball until it is completely underneath it. When your dog goes for the treat, he will knock the ball causing it to roll. Repeat this until you can say “roll it” and your dog rolls the ball even without any treats underneath. Reward your dog for rolling the ball with treats from your own hand from then on. Vary the lengths and repititions of rolls that will get rewards and try rolling the ball back and forth between you and your dog.
Hide n’ Go Seek: This game encourages your dog to come find you when you call him Start by standing a few feet from your dog and calling him using his name and a command, such as “Fido, come” in a happy voice. Reward your dog with treats, praise, or a toy as soon as the dog reaches your hand. Repeat this exercise by calling your dog from increasingly further distances, making a fuss over him for a job well done. Once your dog is good at this try calling from a doorway, then behind the door, encouraging your dog to find you by using a high-pitched voice. Increase the complexity of your hiding spots as your dog gets better at finding you. If your dog ever has trouble finding your spot, try tossing a treat close-by to encourage him to look there.
Fun Time: For games that don’t require any training you can try simply enticing your dog to chase and play with odd objects. Some dogs enjoy splashing about in pools, jumping after tether balls, catching snowballs, and chasing after bubbles. Finding the right game is all about finding the things that you and your dog both enjoy - there’s no limit!
