Play Training Your Dog for Agility New Haven CT

Love My Toy
Materials: An old sock or a toy into which you can stash treats
How to play: This teaches the non-toy motivated dog to love a toy. Place a yummy treat into the sock or toy. As soon as your dog sniffs the toy, let him eat the treat directly out of the toy. Gradually require him to become pushier with the toy (nosing it, biting at it, etc.) before letting him get the treat. Your goal is to be able to throw the toy a few feet away from you and have him dash to it. Make a big deal over him when he does.

Toy Race
Materials: Any toy (or food tube) your dog loves
How to play: Hold dog by collar, place toy on floor, take dog 10’ from toy, lightly restrain, give a verbal release, and race your dog to the toy. This is great for building speed and drive.

Sit/Stay-Toy Race
Materials: Any toy (or food tube) your dog loves
How to play: This game is the same as the Toy Race except that you ask for a Sit-Stay of longer and longer duration before giving a verbal release to get the toy/food. This is great for start line stays and fast starts.

Tug with Rules
Materials: A toy that is easy on your dog’s mouth and allows at least 12” between his mouth and your hand
How to play: Tugging is great for interaction and bonding. Rules: Sit first, wait for a release to grab the toy, drop it on cue, and a timeout for grabbing hand instead of toy. If he looses his grip, no regripping; the game starts over with a sit.

Find It!
Materials: Any toy (or food...

Author: Terry Long

Copyright 2009 BowTie Inc.

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