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5 Fun Games to Play With Your Dog That Will Make Him Healthier and Happier
5 Fun Games to Play With Your Dog That Will Make Him Healthier and Happier
By Ivan Ojounru
Summer is just around the corner for most of us, so it's now time to dust of the dog and, yourself of course and, head to the local park for some fun games with your pet. There are a great many dog activities you can choose from that will suit all breeds and, the good part is they are free to play, you don't need any expensive equipment, and above all they will help to keep your dog in tip top physical and mental condition.
Fetch
One of the most favorite games of all dog breeds, when they learn the rules of course, is fetch. When you teach a dog to fetch it not only adds to your arsenal of dog training techniques, it also helps to strengthen the bond you have with your dog, which will have positive benefits in all areas of your relationship.
When teaching your dog to fetch use a ball that is not too small or too hard, as he could swallow it or damage his teeth. If you have a puppy that you would like to teach to fetch a ball and bring it back, here are some puppy training techniques that will help make playing this game a success.
Put your puppy on a long training lead. Show him the ball while at the same time teasing him a little to get his interest. When your dog shows interest, role the ball across the floor, but only a foot or so and, ask your dog to 'fetch' or ' get it '. As soon as your dog picks up the ball begin excitedly calling him back to you. Once he is in arms length, hold on to the ball and ask your dog to 'leave ' or ' drop '. When he opens his mouth, praise him and give him a little food treat if you like, or another game of fetch. Keep practicing this exercise by increasing the distance you role the ball across the floor.
Find the treat
Find the treat is another one of those fun games to play with your dog, as it encourages the dog to use his primary sense, his sense of smell. Begin by hiding a food treat, for example a little bit of cheese or sausage for your dog to find. Although dogs have a highly developed sense of smell they still need a little encouragement to discipline their searching abilities, so make it simple to begin with, by basically leading your dog to the treat, while using a word such as ' find '. Soon you will be able to hide treats in any place and your dog will quickly find them.
Tracking
If you really want to develop and test your dogs abilities in this area you could try the search game in your local park. Use your dogs ball or a small piece of cloth for this exercise. Again, begin by putting your dog on his training lead, as this will help you to guide him initially to the ball or piece of cloth. Begin by walking a little way and, while your dog is not looking discreetly drop the ball or cloth. Walk on a few feet then stop, turn around, give your dog his command, such as 'find ' and begin walking in the direction of the ball or cloth. Encourage your dog all the time you are doing this. When he finds his ball, give him plenty of praise and play the game again. Practice developing this exercise in just the same way as you did with the earlier example.
Tug
A lot of dog breeds enjoy games which involve tugging, especially the larger breeds. Again this is an excellent way of helping your pet get rid of pent up energy however, like all games they are much better enjoyed when everybody plays by the rules. To make tug one of those fun games to play with your dog, make sure that you always initiate this game; your dog must be aware that the tug toy is yours and not his and, it is up to you to decide when you play this game. Don't over stimulate your dog during this game, and do make sure that you teach him the 'out' or ' leave' command first, so as you have control over the game at all times.
Some trainers suggest that you should always 'win' the tug toy from your dog, as a way of not encouraging dominant behaviour. I wouldn't play a game for too long that I didn't win at occasionally, would you? It's OK to let your dog 'win' his tug toy now and again, providing he plays the games by your rules.
Catch the Frisbee
One last game that is especially popular with a lot of dog breeds, especially with breeds such as Collies, German Shepherds and Retrievers for example, is ' catching the Frisbee '. If your dog has not played this game before, do make sure that he is healthy enough to do so, as this game can be quite physically demanding. To teach your dog to catch the Frisbee, begin by getting your dog to take the Frisbee by rolling it a foot or so across the floor. When your dog is happily picking up the Frisbee, you can then stand back a couple of feet and throw it to your dog for him to catch. Once your dog is catching the Frisbee from this distance consistently, you can begin increasing the distance gradually.
Go ahead and have fun with these five dog activities. They are a great way to keep both you and your dog healthy. However, do remember not to over do things, especially in hot weather. Take frequent breaks between your play sessions and, don't forget to take plenty of water for your dog.
I have been training dogs since the late 1980's. I now live in France, where I continue to train dogs, and also write about dog behaviour, care, and training related topics. If you would like free further information about dogs, and their training and care, please visit my blog at http://www.toptrainingtips.com
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How to Teach Your Puppy to Fetch
How to Teach Your Puppy to Fetch
By John M Williams
Step 1:First you should throw the ball, and allow your dog to go after the ball. If your puppy fetched the ball and brings it back, you should command them to drop the ball.
Step 2:Should your puppy not drop the ball, make sure that you do not pay any attention to that. Immediately take out the second ball.
Step 3:Make sure that you have lots of fun with the second ball. Throw the ball in the air, and make sure that your puppy notices you having fun with this second ball. Persists with this action until your puppy pays attention to what you are doing. If you have done this in the correct manner, your dog will drop the ball that they have in their mouth and loot at the second ball you have in your hand.
Step 4:The moment that your puppy drops the ball that they have in their mouth, you should show them the second ball that you have in your hand. The moment that your puppy focuses on the second ball that you are holding, you should throw the ball.
Step 5:If your puppy returns to you after all of this, make sure that you repeat this process. It will only be a short amount of time before your dog starts to retrieve the ball and bring it to you.
Tips & Warnings
There are several tips and warnings that you should take note of when teaching your puppy to fetch. You should always ensure that you have to balls with you.
Make sure that your puppy interested in the second ball before they return to you. The more you look like you are having fun with the second ball, the faster your puppy will drop the ball that they have in their mouth.
Never throw the ball before your dog has dropped the ball that they had in their mouth. It is best if you terminate the retrieving game before your puppy gets bored with it. This will ensure that your dog is very excited the next time that you play fetch.
Another good tip is to hold your puppy for a short while before you allow them to chase the ball. This will help them to clearly focus on the ball, and build a stronger longing to retrieve the ball. So when the ball is released, they will spring to the ball and grasp it up easily.
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Teaching Your Dog to Fetch - Why and How
Teaching Your Dog to Fetch - Why and How
By Geoffrey English
Some gun dogs, like retrievers, have a natural instinct to retrieve objects. Other dogs tend to hold onto the objects. If you are seeking a gun dog that is going to retrieve for you, regardless of breed, you need to show him how. It is best to start training your dog as a puppy.
Why train a dog to fetch?
In addition to field dogs that are retrieving birds and other small game, even pet dogs need to be taught how to fetch. It is one of the basic commands. Fetching not only helps you bond with your dog, but also teaches your dog who is in command. When you tell a dog to go fetch something, they should understand the command and retrieve the object back to you.
Another reason to teach your dog to fetch is that it gives your dog plenty of exercise. Most gun dogs require an inordinate amount of exercise and will become hyper if they do not get enough activity. Teaching your dog to fetch allows him to exercise that is much needed with most gun dog breeds.
How to teach a dog to fetch?
One of the best ways to teach your dog to fetch is by using two identical toys that your dogs seems to like to play with. These can be balls or plush toys. Those training retrievers often use decoys as a way to train the dogs to fetch.
Hold one of the two identical objects in your hand and waive it in front of your dog so that he gets a chance to see it and wants to go after it. As soon as you have his attention aroused, toss the object so that he gets it. He will most likely play with the object. You need to then attract his attention with the other toy so that he comes and gets it, bringing the first object back.
In some cases, the dog will drop the first object and run back to you. You then have to walk over to the object, put it gently in the mouth of your dog and then lead him over to your original starting point. Pat your dog and hold out your hand so he will give you the object. If he drops it and does not retrieve mouth to hand, pick it up, place it gently in his mouth again, and hold out your hand. You may have to manually show your dog how to retrieve mouth to hand, but once he gets it, he will do it all of the time.
You want to keep working on this method of fetching and retrieving so that the dog eventually learns to bring any object that he finds to you.
Field training
On the field, decoys are often shot up and the shotgun fired. Other decoys are put in an indiscreet place where the dog finds it. This is how gun dogs learn how to find game and retrieve it to you. Field training can be accomplished when a dog is about six months old, although it is a much easier concept for the dog to learn if he has been trained to fetch at home using toys and decoys.
Geoffrey A. English is the Founder of GundogsOnline.com, the internet's premiere online magazine dedicated to hunting dogs. Their site has a wide variety of dog supplies that you might be looking for such as brands like DT Systems, Dogtra Training Collars, and Innotek Dog Collar.
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