Thursday, May 20, 2010

Fun Games to Play With Your Dog Outside

There are many reasons for wanting to play with your dog. Aside from the fact that this is an entertaining activity for you both it also keeps your dog from getting bored plus it makes him healthier mentally and physically.
If you play with your dog on a regular basis, you develop bonds of understanding, respect, loyalty, and communication that remain forever. Games moreover are a fun way to train your dog to: obey you and not the other way around and to socialize with you and other pets you might have.
How can you tell that your pooch is bored? Observe his attitude, if he becomes destructive and often gets into trouble these are sure signs he has nothing to do.
Fun Outdoor Games For You and Your Dog
1) Fetch - There are canines which are natural fetchers and there are those who aren't but all of them do love this game. You can use a stick or his favorite toy for this.
To play with your dog, throw the toy and tell him to fetch it and return it to you.
2) Frisbee - You both can exercise with this very physical game which is perfect for the overly active dog. This is just like a modified version of the fetch game where you throw a flying disk known as a Frisbee. Your dog should try to catch the Frisbee in midair or otherwise and bring it back to you.
Once you and your dog get really good with this you can opt to join competitions. Competitions are confidence boosters both to you and the dog itself.
3) Hula Hoop - This is a game you can play indoors or outdoors, start with a hoop appropriate to the size of your dog. Begin the game by laying the loop on the ground. If your dog figures out that he has to be in the center of the circle, praise or reward him.
After he's used to this you can play with your dog by teaching him to jump through the hoop standing on its side raised inches above the ground.
4) Treasure Hunt - Dogs will love using their noses and powers of concentration in this game which you can play indoors or outdoors. Start with a treat that he really likes, show him the treat, and have him watch you put it behind a couch or a nearby bench.
Gradually make it harder for your dog to find the treat. If you want to teach your dog to find anything through this game, change the treats to shoes, or belt or any item that you can easily loose.
A Few Reminders
1) End the game while your pooch is still interested not when he is already bored. This is one of the techniques to establish control over your dog.
2) Don't forget to reward your dog with his favorite treat if he successfully performs anything.
3) When playing with your already confident canine pet, letting him win all the time makes the him dominant. Instead of you controlling him, you now find yourself being controlled by your pet because he beat you over and over in your games.
4) If you play with your dog who is the shy type, let him win once in a while, this will develop his self confidence. However, don't overdo this or you will create an overly confident dog.

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