Rainy Day Games

Rainy Day Dog Games

If you and your dog have cabin fever, here are some suggestions to take the edge off:

1) Work on your sit stay add duration first, when that is reliable at least 80% of the time add distractions and last add distance like household members talking, tv going, doorbells ringing. Try not to get greedy and do too much, remember to set your dog up for success. Always go back to your dog to reward them for the stay. Only call them to you when you have worked on stay for several repetitions prior. For more information on relaxation: Google Karen Overall Relaxation Protocol.

2) Invite friends over to help proof your sit at the door. Keep greetings calm and collected by keeping your dog on leash. If this is too hard then practice sits at the door before you invite the company over.

3) Play tug-drop-sit-tug-drop-sit, etc. Tug is a nice workout for many dogs, Drop and Sit add an impulse control element to the game.

4) Play fetch with a sit for impulse control before each throw. Sit makes good things happen.

5) Have a treasure hunt, hide treats or toys and have your dog find them.

6) Play hide and seek - the fewer clues you give the more challenging for the dog. Start with lots of clues like a beep noise then fade them out.

7) Train your dog to pick up their toys by name and then drop them in a basket.

8) Blow bubbles - some dogs like to catch them. There are special bubbles made for dogs so they do not get digestive problems.

9) Give your dog a Kong or another intelligent challenge toy with dog food in it. The new Nina Ottosson puzzles for dogs are mentally challenging and fun.

10) Do Doga (doggy yoga) with your dog. Downward facing dog, upward paw and cobra pose are just a few of the exercises you can do.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6rO6ck_N5U
http://www.expertvillage.com/video/12213_downward-facing-dog-doga.htm

11) Play Crate Games (see www.livingwithdogs.us/books/). Have your dog race to his crate for a treat then release and start over.

12) Put your rain gear on and take your dog for a vigorous walk.