http://www.care2.com/greenliving/dog-play.html
5 Running Games To Play With Your Dog
By Karen B. London, PhD, The Bark
Just as the iconic image of the Great Dad shows him playing catch with his kids, the iconic image of the Great Dog Guardian would show a person running around with a dog. A few minutes- or even a few steps- are all you need, so don’t resist these easy ways to add joy to your dog’s day.
1. Chase. This game is simple: You run and your dog chases you. Clap or make a “smooch” sound to get your dog’s attention, and then run away from him. When he’s within a few feet of you, turn and reinforce him with a treat, a toy or the start of another chase. Stopping before he reaches you prevents the chase game from turning into the “nip the human on the back of the leg” game. (Don’t play the “chase the dog” game- it will teach him to run away when you approach and ruin his recall.)
2. On Your Mark, Get Set, Go. Combine a little trick work and self-control practice with running. Teach your dog to lie down when you say “On your mark,” do a play bow to the cue “Get set” and start running when you say “Go.” Tres cute.
3. Fartlek. Runners worldwide use fartlek training to increase their speed. The word, which means “speed play” in Swedish, refers to the practice of interspersing short bursts of speed within a training run. To play with your dog fartlek style, surge ahead and run few paces, past several houses or even down the block. Chances are your dog will happily follow your lead. (And yes, even serious runners think it’s a funny word.)
4. Hard to Get. This short keep-away game can jump-start a play session. Squeak, bounce or wave a toy around to get your dog’s attention as you run away from him. Just make sure you don’t tease him by playing keep-away too long. The excitement created by a moment of playing hard to get can start another game, but going on too long without giving your dog access to the toy can result in frustration or anger rather than playfulness.
5. Crazy Owner. People who are unpredictable in their movements are fascinating to dogs. With that in mind, use the “crazy owner” game to get and keep your dog’s attention. Hold a bunch of yummy treats to lure your dog to your side and then start moving away from him. Change speed and direction often so he never knows what you are going to do next. For example, run five steps, turn and jog slowly for 10, then execute a quick reverse and sprint in the opposite direction. Offer him praise and treats every time he’s right by your side, and keep moving like a crazy person to maintain his interest.
Many people love to play with their dogs. Still more want to play with their dogs but think their dogs aren’t playful, or that they only like to play with other dogs. Certainly, some dogs are more naturally playful or more toy-motivated than others. Yet, I’ve found that time and again, the majority of dogs who are described as “not playful” by the people who know them best actually do love to play, as long as the games are based on running and chasing. Give them a try!
More from Megan, selected from The Bark (11 articles available)
related stories
-
(8 comments)
-
(1 comment)
-
(10 comments)
Robyn
Melissa
Deepak
Eric
Dave
Dr. Brent
Isha
Susan
Delia
Michelle
Wendy
Megan
Hilary
Ann
Judi
Ronnie
Kelly
Lily
Terri
Betsy
Cait
Andrew
Jana
Annie B.
Veronica
7 comments
add your comment »ahaha! I read number 3 as "Fart Lick" at first and almost died of laughter :)
I miss my dog. I recently moved out of my mom's house and had to leave my dog there. I'd love to Fartlek with her right now :)
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Dog play with you will help keep your dog busy and channel his energy into fun and constructive activities that does not involve any property destruction. Dog play will also help improve your dog's obedience training, deepen your bond.
r4i software
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
What a great post!! Yes, I think more people should play different games with their dogs, - especially on 'rainy days' or 'busy days' rather than wait until the dog does something naughty out of boredom and then yell at it or punish it!
We play all these games - I especially like the Go Wild & Freeze game, coz I love jumping and dancing around to music (!) so I did a lot of this with Honey as a young pup -so she learnt to "get excited" with me appropriately (eg. jumping OK but no jumping up ON me) - I wish more people would do this with their dogs coz lack of control & over-excitement is the source of many "issues" people have...if they just set up the situation and practise it, to teach the dog self-control, it would make such a difference!For Hide & Seek, we also play a version where we hide when out on walks and she has to come and find us - great for keeping the dog always focused on you and where you're going and staying "with the pack", rather than just shooting off on her own - and also great for recall!
christmas presents
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
My dog (or maybe me) likes the "crazy owner" game a lot. I'll spontaneously launch into an operatic-style song about anything or everything, do a dance, and even pretend to kick my dog in the face as she's lying down snoozing. She doesn't even flinch. She knows I'd sooner jump in front of a train than to see her harmed in any way.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
To play with the dog is also good for your health!
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Good advice--playing games with your dogs! we started a great dog game of hide and seek....we go and hide and then call the dog....when he finds you, give a treat. Then it advances to telling the dog to find a person by name...they pick up on this very quickly when the person hiding is softly calling too and has the treat. Then you can get farther and farther away getting your dog to run and scout and use his senses. Very handy when you want to find a particular person or your kids have wandered off too far...we just say, "go find Jake" and off the dog goes. The treat becomes unnecessary because the praise and pets of having found the person excites your dog unbelievably.
We actually started this game with the cats who love to find you too and then run away themselves and hide for you to find them. Cats don't seem to find play and food related to humans...they play it for the fun of being found and finding;
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
To play with the dog is good for dog's health.
send green star | flag as inappropriate
why is this inappropriate?
Facebook account: