Three Fun Dog Training Games

Dog Charlie Rubbing its Face

Maintaining mental and physical health is necessary if we are to get through these challenging times and keep our sanity, for both humans and dogs. Three fun teaching games to help you stay active at home:

1. Find-It Game: Put aside a portion of the food you would typically feed your dog from their morning and evening feeding.

  • Place your dog in a “Stay,”
  • Take some of the food (or treat) portion and hide them around the house.
  • Release your dog (whatever cue you use just be consistent and use it every time you play this game, EG, “Break – Release – Done,” etc.).
  • Enjoy watching your dog develop its scent skills to search the house.

2. Hide-N-Seek Game: Place your dog in a “Stay.”

  • Walk away and hide in another room,
  • then call your dog (“Name” and “Come!” in upbeat voice) and see how long it takes them to find you.
  • Once the dog finds you have a big praise party (lots of lovin’ – treats if you like), then repeat the game one or two more times.

3. Rapid-Fire Game: Pick any combination of three or four commands that your dog likes to do (or cues you want to refine in your dog) like “Sit/Down/Stand” or “Jump Up/Shake/Rollover.”

  • Ramp up the excitement in your voice to get your dog’s energy up.
  • Start in one area of your house and see how fast your dog can go through your list of cues.
  • When you finish the round of three or four “cues,” have a big praise party (treats if you like).
  • Then QUICKLY move to another part of the house, keep your energy high, and repeat using the SAME cues. Have a big praise party.
  • Repeat three or four times in one training session. Your dog will love you for this workout without knowing that you are reinforcing their learning.

You can see the Rapid-Fire game in my Redwoods video, but you can easily do this in your home (just substitute your couch or bed for the picnic table).

I hope you like these few specialty games to keep you and your dog engaged and healthy, by strengthening your dog’s responsiveness in trying to please you.

Stay well and let me know how these work for you.

– Dan, doghearttraining.com 

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Matthew
San Francisco
We both felt that Dan taught us so much more than we had learned prior by reading books and watching YouTube videos. His ability to point out and explain, in real-time, details of our dog’s behavior has remained valuable in the weeks after our lessons have ended.
Marianna
Berkeley
Dan was excellent!! Dan reinforced all the training with written instructions for me for future reference. This was not my first dog but it was the first time I used a trainer, and Dan gave me a lot of new techniques to use to keep my dog focused on success for both of us. I also like the idea that now Dan will be available if I need him for future issues.
Kierstan
Redwood City
Dan from dogHeart was very helpful. He helped us with not pulling on the lease and door dashing. The assessment comes back with 20-page detailed instructions on how to train your dog with the points of concern. He is very experienced and has a degree in dog training/ behavior so would definitely recommend even for the assessment if you are having problems with your dog or want them to listen better!
Coeinne
Oakland
Dan was very professional and respectful. He arrived promptly and taught us multiple methods that allowed the dog to think. We feel much more confident and excited in forming a bond with our dog now. Thanks Dan!
Rosette
Danville
Dan was really great … walking us through what we need to know and learn in training Brie. He is very thorough of his plans. We are excited to learn more from him,
Naim
Daly City
Dan is a very kind and through trainer who helped my dog & myself understand each other much better, while helping curb some “problematic” behaviors.
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Gordon
San Francisco
Dan did a great job in helping me teach my dog. He is well organized and has lesson plans for each training session. He is always willing to help and it was a pleasure working with him. I plan on taking his advance courses when the time comes.
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Karin
Calistoga
Dan is wonderful with our dog and us! He has a written plan of our sessions that he shares with us so that we can reinforce the training. He is practical and flexible but focused on getting a good outcome. He makes everything fun! A true pro!
Vince
San Francisco
Dan is very knowledgable, thorough, detail-oriented, kind, compassionate, and patient. Sets clear expectations and objectives and provides a comprehensive, detailed rehabilitation/training plan and recommendations. Great working with him.

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