The most effective way to train any dog is to make it as fun as possible.
Dogs don't really differ from humans in that they will learn more quickly and will be more receptive to training if they are enjoying themselves at the same time.
In addition, training while playing with your dog is a great way to reinforce the bond between you and your pet.
Moreover, it is an opportunity for you to have a bit of fun, too.
Below you will find a list of three games that can make obedience training an enjoyable experience for all concerned: Tug Some dog trainers and owners disagree with playing tug, because it may encourage aggression and possessiveness over objects.
However, in a dog that is not possessive over its toys, it is quite possible to train your dog to relinquish an object on command.
First, take a tug toy and begin to play tug of war with your dog.
After a few moments, say, "drop it".
If your dog does let go of the toy offer a treat and lots of praise.
If, on the other hand, your dog is reluctant to let go, hold a treat in your hand to encourage him, or her, to give up the toy in favor of the treat.
Again, when the dog drops the toy give the treat and provide lots of praise.
Practice this until your dog obediently drops the toy each time you say, "drop it".
After time, you may want to phase out the treat and just give lots of praise.
Otherwise, you may end up with an overweight pooch.
Fetch Fetch is usually enjoyed by all dogs.
However, perhaps unsurprisingly, retriever dogs are particularly fond of it.
Of course, the trick is to get your dog to come to you with the object and drop it at your feet.
Unfortunately, many dogs enjoy running away with the ball or Frisbee (it is best to avoid using sticks, as splinters can lodge in the dog's throat causing serious damage) in the hope that you will chase him, or her.
The first rule of playing fetch is to never chase after your dog, because this will only encourage him, or her, to keep hold of the object.
Therefore, if your dog is not keen on returning an item to you, you will need to come up with a plan to entice him, or her, back.
Obviously, one of the most successful ways is with a treat.
So, begin by tossing a ball or Frisbee (just a few feet away), your dog will almost certainly chase after it and pick it up.
Once he, or she, does so, take a treat out of your pocket and call the dog back to you.
When the dog drops the ball in favor of the treat give him, or her, lots of praise.
Again, after some practice, try to phase out the treats and just use praise.
Find an Object Playing 'find' is a great way to keep your dog's mind active.
First, take his, or her, favorite toy, show it to your dog and then let him, or her, watch you hide it somewhere, but don't make it too hard to start with.
Say "find" and he, or she, should automatically go straight for the toy.
You shouldn't not need any treat to encourage this.
Getting a treasured toy back and a "good boy/girl" should be ample.
Gradually, increase the difficulty of the game.
In other words, hide the toy in less obvious places and do not let him, or her, watch you hide the toy.
However, you should always allow the dog to sniff the toy before you take it away and hide it.
Of course, these are just some of the games that can be used to help obedience train your dog.
As your dog progresses, you may like to create games that cater to his, or her, specific talents.
Remember, keeping your dog physically and mentally active is crucial to his, or her, overall health.
Dogs don't really differ from humans in that they will learn more quickly and will be more receptive to training if they are enjoying themselves at the same time.
In addition, training while playing with your dog is a great way to reinforce the bond between you and your pet.
Moreover, it is an opportunity for you to have a bit of fun, too.
Below you will find a list of three games that can make obedience training an enjoyable experience for all concerned: Tug Some dog trainers and owners disagree with playing tug, because it may encourage aggression and possessiveness over objects.
However, in a dog that is not possessive over its toys, it is quite possible to train your dog to relinquish an object on command.
First, take a tug toy and begin to play tug of war with your dog.
After a few moments, say, "drop it".
If your dog does let go of the toy offer a treat and lots of praise.
If, on the other hand, your dog is reluctant to let go, hold a treat in your hand to encourage him, or her, to give up the toy in favor of the treat.
Again, when the dog drops the toy give the treat and provide lots of praise.
Practice this until your dog obediently drops the toy each time you say, "drop it".
After time, you may want to phase out the treat and just give lots of praise.
Otherwise, you may end up with an overweight pooch.
Fetch Fetch is usually enjoyed by all dogs.
However, perhaps unsurprisingly, retriever dogs are particularly fond of it.
Of course, the trick is to get your dog to come to you with the object and drop it at your feet.
Unfortunately, many dogs enjoy running away with the ball or Frisbee (it is best to avoid using sticks, as splinters can lodge in the dog's throat causing serious damage) in the hope that you will chase him, or her.
The first rule of playing fetch is to never chase after your dog, because this will only encourage him, or her, to keep hold of the object.
Therefore, if your dog is not keen on returning an item to you, you will need to come up with a plan to entice him, or her, back.
Obviously, one of the most successful ways is with a treat.
So, begin by tossing a ball or Frisbee (just a few feet away), your dog will almost certainly chase after it and pick it up.
Once he, or she, does so, take a treat out of your pocket and call the dog back to you.
When the dog drops the ball in favor of the treat give him, or her, lots of praise.
Again, after some practice, try to phase out the treats and just use praise.
Find an Object Playing 'find' is a great way to keep your dog's mind active.
First, take his, or her, favorite toy, show it to your dog and then let him, or her, watch you hide it somewhere, but don't make it too hard to start with.
Say "find" and he, or she, should automatically go straight for the toy.
You shouldn't not need any treat to encourage this.
Getting a treasured toy back and a "good boy/girl" should be ample.
Gradually, increase the difficulty of the game.
In other words, hide the toy in less obvious places and do not let him, or her, watch you hide the toy.
However, you should always allow the dog to sniff the toy before you take it away and hide it.
Of course, these are just some of the games that can be used to help obedience train your dog.
As your dog progresses, you may like to create games that cater to his, or her, specific talents.
Remember, keeping your dog physically and mentally active is crucial to his, or her, overall health.
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