Games can be fun for your kids to play with the dog. But they can also be great educational life skills for you dog. Red Light / Green Light is one that will help teach your dog a bit of impulse control by allowing him to get all excited and playful and then stop instantly when told.
It's easy and it's fun for everyone to play.
Your dog will need to know the basic skills Sit, Down, and Come before you play the game. They should also be familiar with Okay! as a release cue. So if necessary, teach those skills first. Remember: all learning is good for your dog so take the time necessary to build the foundation.
Engage your dog in a fun game of chase or with a toy tug.
Once the dog is engaged and excited, stop suddenly and issue a command like "Sit"
- If they sit, quickly say Okay! start playing again with the toy or the game of chase
- If they don't sit on command, use your leash to prevent the escape and them help them sit
Over the course of the next few days play the game and increase the time the dog has to hold his command before you release and play again.
Play with enthusiasm, but become calm and still when you ask the dog to sit for the first few days. Then up the ante by getting excited or showing the toy again before you release him to play with you.
Dogs love fun and challenges! You do too -- right? Get out and play with the dog.
Once he knows the game, you can apply this quick issue of a command in moments when your dog may be getting to excited in the house, when the kids friends come over, or something unusual distracts him.
Dana Brigman
The K9 Coach
Dog Training - Matthews, NC
980-339-8064
www.thek9-coach.com
info@thek9-coach.com
Follow us On
The K9 Coach is a Professional Certified Dog Trainer Serving Charlotte, NC, Matthews, NC and surrounding areas.
Ask us about a photo shoot with your dog ! Weenie Dog Photography All K9 Coach clients are eligible for a discount!
My mission is a better life for dogs as members of a forever family.
My goal is create training solutions for the home owner, to rehabilitate dogs from shelters and rescues, and to prevent dogs from dying alone as strays or owner surrenders in shelters due to unnecessary aggression or behavioral issues.
Begin all training with a consultation with a professional trainer to be sure you're solving the right problem. Misdiagnosis can make the matters worse. Be sure that there are no medical issues at play and that your dog is not in pain, as pain can be a contributor to a new display of aggression. If you have any fear or uncertainty -- do not attempt the techniques without professional supervision.
