Play is an essential part of our dog's day. Play helps them stay fit, relieves stress and strengthens the bond between us.
Play is a wonderful way to teach them new skills, such as good manners. Here are 5 skills that you can teach to your dog by playing.
Playing with your dog can improve their manners
Have you ever encountered a dog with bad manners or bad behavior? Have you ever met a dog that was rude? This is a good example of a dog who has no control over their impulses.
We are responsible for teaching our dogs to control their impulses. Playing with your dog is a good way to teach them impulse control and some manners.
The tug-of-war game is a great way to teach your dog good manners. Some dogs get really excited when playing tug, and sometimes they will accidentally touch their teeth against your hand. When playing tug, if the teeth of your dog touch your hand, the game will stop.
You can teach them to stop playing when their teeth touch the hand. Since dogs love to play tug, it shouldn't be long before they learn that the game ends when their teeth touch your hand.
It's a fun extra tip to use the next time you are playing tug of war: Let your dog win some times. It won't make them aggressive dominant. Let them win, it will make the game more engaging and fun. It also makes you an awesome tug partner.
When it comes to tug, puppies are especially mouthy. The excitement of tug can make it hard for puppies to concentrate on anything else but'must bit the moving thing'.
Play Reinforces Basic Commands
It's best to know if your dog can reliably say “drop it”, “leave” or any other command before they pick up something nasty on the street.
Playing fetch is one of the easiest and most effective ways to teach your dog to “drop it”. Some dogs don't play fetch according to the rules – they chase after a tennis ball, then run like crazy when you ask them for it back. You can then teach them to only play fetch if they return the ball and drop it.
Once your dog has retrieved the ball, call him back to you. As soon as they are within reach, tell them to “drop the ball”. When they do so, praise them and continue playing. The game will stop if they refuse to do so. If they refuse to drop the ball, the game will stop. Do not chase them. This will turn the game into a game of “haha, can't you catch me” for them.
You can continue the game as long as you learn to drop your ball. Keep the game exciting and praise them when they return the ball. This should keep them motivated to follow the rules.
Some dogs, like Laika…ahem, find it difficult to learn “drop it”. Laika didn't like to be praised, so I began playing fetch with 2 toys. The extra toy I held in my hands as Laika returned after retrieving it was enough to get her to trade. She eventually dropped it without my asking.
You can reinforce your dog's command by playing fetch with them. Remember to keep the game fun and exciting and to always be positive when your pet comes back. You may find that if you scold the dog for coming back, they will be less likely to return.
They can improve their natural abilities by doing nose work
Even though they have incredible noses, our dogs don't always rely on smell cues. They also get used to visual cues in their daily routine. You can help your dog develop their natural sense of smell by teaching them some nose games.
The three-cup game is a great way to get started. Grab three cups (or containers), and some treats. Put the three cups in front your dog, and place a treat underneath one of them. It's okay if your dog takes a while to understand what you want.
When they find the cup, praise them for their efforts. You can increase the difficulty as they begin to understand what the goal is by changing the cup after the treat has been placed.
This game can also be used to teach manners. It's easier to play this game if you train your dog to gently paw at the cup, rather than grabbing it or knocking it over with their mouth.
The puzzles will help your dog develop problem solving skills.
While it is true that a dog who is tired makes a good one, it does not take into consideration how mentally exhausting it can be. All dogs need more than just physical activity.
Addition of mental stimulation to a dog's routine can be very tiring. Laika is calmer and more relaxed after training or playing with puzzles than after a 2-mile walk. Each dog is different, but they can all benefit from adding some mental activity to their daily routine.
Here's 10 simple ways to give your dog a more stimulating mental environment.
There are many options when it comes to brain games and puzzles for dogs. You can purchase dog puzzles in the store, play with treat-dispensing toys, do some free forming or play “find the treats.”
You can gauge your dog's interest in a dog puzzle by creating a simple one for them using a muffin pan, tennis balls and treats. You can play by placing some treats into the muffin tin, and then adding the tennis balls. If it's fun for your dog, they will probably enjoy all the fancy puzzles that you can purchase at the store. If not, I would not bother.
Laika doesn't like them much. She gets her treats in just 3 seconds. It's game over.
I've found that treat dispensing toys keep Laika occupied for longer and help her eat more slowly. The Kong Wobbler keeps Laika occupied for longer and slows her eating. It also makes her use problem-solving skills to get her food out.
You can also use any healthy treat you like. My favorite is carrots.
Laika will wait in another room while I hide carrots around the house. I make sure to hide them in places that are not obvious, such as under rugs or on chairs. When I tell Laika to “find treats”, she runs around like crazy. She never gets tired of playing this game.
This is a great way to help dogs improve their smell skills and solve issues. In this case, solving problems means figuring out there are carrots under my carpet.
A Kong Wobbler, which dispensates treats to your dog as it plays, can help sharpen their problem-solving skills.
Playing with your dog can increase their confidence
You give your dog direction when you play with them using positive reinforcement. Play is a great way to show them what to expect. The dogs that are routinely trained and who know what is expected of them tend to do well.
Rather than offering alternatives, we tend to focus on what dogs shouldn't do. By providing fun activities throughout the day, you can eliminate the question of “what should I do?” for your dog.
You are teaching your dog new skills by playing with them. They will also be introduced to different objects and cues. They will gain confidence by keeping the play positive.
Be aware that building the confidence of shy or fearful dogs takes more time. It is still possible and worth the effort – but it takes patience and consistency. Every new situation you create in a positive manner for your dog will help him face future situations.
You can boost your dog's confidence by exposing them to new situations while playing.
What has your dog learned through play?
What skills has your pet learned from play? What skills has your dog learned through play?