Dog Games

Jeanne Perciaccanto

Ultimate Dog Training

I like using games and tricks in conjunction with sound training.

A dogs brain is not static, only engaged to follow commands: come; sit; down or stay.

The come from a fluid history of adaptability for survival.  They worked hard to ensure continuation of the species.  Hunting and protection of territory to maintain food supply was primary.  It was a simple fact of life, no food = no life!

Reproduction and care to enable pups to reach adulthood kept the pack vital.

Safety for the pups from weather and other larger/ stronger predators kept them in search for appropriate dens/ safe areas in which to raise the pups.

Basic necessities also required these areas also have suitable water supply.

They worked hard and seven days a week!

When not working, they played.  

When I watch large off leash groups interact, they play games similar to what our kids play.  Games such as: tag; chase me; hide and seek, king of the mountain; protect the fort; tug of war; fetch and keep away.

The games are based on natural drives and needed skills for survival such as:  digging, chewing, hiding precious items; climbing and challenging self-confidence or another willingness to follow suit.

These games are based on life and social interaction.  Dogs will be vocal and physically interact with each other.  Communication of growling, bumping, snapping are similar to "Mom he's touching my toys!" They learn how to play well with others by being taught by those they play with and learning to assess their interaction.

When we play games with our dogs, we need to play the games they will like.  Some dogs love fetch, others can't be bothered.  "You threw the ball, you go get it!"  Some like hide and seek, others have an "out of sight out of mind" mentality.  "You got lost, you find your way back!"

While all dogs can like all types of games, there are games more suited for certain breeds.

Hunting, field, working, sight dogs breeds like action games such as fetch because it involves sight and movement.

Terriers, designed to borrow for vermin like hide and seek and chasing moving things such as flirt toys.

Find what your dog likes and use that to build games.  Treats work nicely with most dogs, for others a ball or bumper gets their heart racing.

You can also teach close tricks like roll over, shake hands, speak or spin.

Always teach in steps and pieces.  If your goal is to turn/spin, start first with getting the dog to turn their head in the direction you want.  Then turn their head back equal to center of body.  Next build to a turn all the way towards their tail.  Follow that pattern until the dog does a complete circle.

Always be sure what you ask they can do safely and have no physical impediments such as poor hips/joints or are not so big you can't safely handle having to prevent a fall!

Dog games connect you and your dog.  Anything that creates thought and focus is a good thing!

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