Dog Training How To Make Dog Training A Family Affair (4)

Dog Training: How To Make Dog Training A Family Affair (4)

Play these family-oriented games to help your dog master good manners and basic commands. And please be sure to supervise all play that involves children.

“Thank You, Take It”

This game will teach your dog to willingly release objects from its mouth when asked. Any object you start teaching this with should be large enough for your dog to hold one end while you hold the other. A length of heavy, soft knotted rope or a large, sturdy stuffed plush toy works well.

Start by wiggling the toy to make it interesting. In a playful voice, say “take it” and let your pup grab on. Praise and allow the dog to chew and play with the toy while you hold the other end. After a few moments, say “thank you” and offer your dog a treat from your other hand, holding it about six inches away from the side of his mouth. The dog will see and smell the treat and will let go of the toy to get the treat.

Don't pull the toy away, just continue holding it. As soon as your dog eats the treat, offer the toy back, saying “take it”. Praise him for taking hold and let it play for a few moments before again saying, “thank you”, and trading it for another treat.

Repeat this sequence until your dog quickly releases the toy when you say “thank you”. Your dog will learn that it doesn't lose the object by giving it to you. Then tray saying “thank you” without showing the dog a treat-swap.

Most dogs will release right away, expecting a treat. When it does, praise and immediately hand back the toy with a playful flourish, saying “take it”. The toy itself and the fun of grabbing and playing with it becomes a reward.

Ping-Pong Recall

This game teaches the dog to come when family members call it. Start by teaching your dog to come for a treat reward. When it's doing this well, start adding family members to the game one at a time. Give each player several dog treats to use as rewards. Deliver one treat reward to the dog each time it comes when called.

Start with two people, standing about ten feet apart. First, one person calls the dog and rewards it with a treat, then the other takes a turn and does the same. More players can be added as soon as the dog seems to understand the game.

When the dog is eagerly racing each person who calls it, start increasing the distance between players. As your dog gains skill and enthusiasm for this game, try playing in more stimulating environments, like the beach or the dog park.

Tug of “Peace”

Offer your dog a toy and pull lightly to start the tug game. Be gentle – rough tugging can hurt a young pup's jaws and neck. An adult dog can handle stronger tugging. After a moment of tug play, say “thank you”, cueing the pup to release. Praise and hand back the toy with an exciting “take it”.

Play as many rounds of tug as you like, but remember – you, not the pup - should always initiate and end this game. Tug should never be a competition between you and your dog. It's much better to make it a cooperative game that doesn't have a winner or loser, hence the reason it is called tug of “peace”.

BONUS : Dog Training – Teaching Your Dog The Basic Command Of “Come Here”

Dog training does not have to be complicated, nor does it take enormous amounts of time to teach your pet the basics. Speaking of basics, we all want our dogs to come to us when called. There are many ways to go about this dog training procedure, below is perhaps the easiest way.

The following instructions will have your dog responding to your "come" command in no time. This easy technique revolves around luring your dog and then rewarding him. Please note that this will be a lot easier if your dog is hungry before beginning training. Also, have handy small dog treats that you will use as a training aid.

1. First stand in front of your dog and hold a dog treat in between your thumb and index finger so it can easily be seen. Your arm should be in front of you but resting on your leg.

2. Now simply get the atmosphere exciting to your dog by putting on a great big smile and with a sweet and fun tone of voice, say "Sparky, Come!" Do not overdo the come command with too much excitement, just enough to get him to notice you and realize that you are happy.

3. Your puppy should start running towards you, especially at the sight of the dog treat in your hand. Most dogs come running at the first hint of food, but your puppy may need a little more motivation. If after a moment he does not respond, your next move is to squat down and reach out with the treat just slightly, while calling his name again and getting the "come" command.

4. Once your puppy does arrive at the treat and in front of you, try to lure him into the sitting position by stroking his neck and upper back with one hand and applying pressure on his hind for him to sit, while slowly moving the treat to his mouth with your other hand. Now is the perfect time to start praising him in a loving voice and creating a positive feeling that he will want to experience again when you call his name and ask them to come to you.

5. Eventually drop the dog treats altogether and repeat the above steps, but offering praise instead of food when your dog comes to you.