Seven Games Dogs Just Love To Play
Renée Alexandrea


Have you ever wonder why some dogs seem to be so happy and
playful even up to their twilight years?

The answer is not far from reach. If your dog is given an
environment that arouses his curiosity yet not over stimulating,
chances you’ll have a very a happy, healthy and emotional stable
dog.


I’m not talking about throwing some dog toys for him to
self-entertain, and thinking that he’ll be so indebted to you. On
the contrary, you’re doing injustice to his creativity to play.

One of the best ways to nurture dog’s creativity is to create
games around things that dogs just naturally love to do.


Here are seven fun activities for you and your dog to enjoy for
hours:

Digging and Burying --- A descend from wolves, most domesticated
dogs will still have the ancient urge to bury bones, food dishes,
or your slippers to show how much they value these things. You
can create false earth for hygiene purpose—children sand pit or
inflatable children pool filled with sand.

Tip 1.1—Show your dog his toy and let him watch you bury it. Then
say to him ‘Bury’ as you cover it up. Praise him when he digs it
up, and then let him have his turn to bury it. Terriers by nature
love to dig, but they’re in no means to bury anything.


Wrestling –-- Since young, puppies have this natural ability to
wrestle. They do so as to develop strength and agility, to show
affection, to be first in line for food, or simply to let off
stream. Every dog has his own personality; some enjoy a good
‘rough’ play while others are too shy to rough it out with you.
Just respect their decision.

Tip 2.1—Start gradually, with gentle pushes and lunges. Say
‘Wrestle!’ Remember to keep the game gentle as you don’t want to
excite the dog too much. Don’t cut off the game abruptly.


Rolling over --– When dogs rollover, exposing their tummies, it’s
a part of their declaration of love for you. Your dog is saying
“I trust you” and would appreciate a tummy rub.

Tip 3.1—To encourage your dog to rollover on command, say ‘Roll’
when he does. Give him a good tummy rub. Keep it short for a
start, and when he gets quicker on command, then you give a good
tummy rub with aromatherapy oil for his extra effort.


Play Bowing --– You’ll notice this gesture when your dog is
inviting you or his canine friend to play.

4.1—To encourage your dog to play-bowing on command, say ‘Bow!’
when he does. And if he doesn’t gently push his front down and
hold up his rear, saying ‘Bow!’ It may be quite difficult to
train, but if you catch him doing this act, it’s the best time to
start lesson one.


Shaking hands --– Holding out a paw is a natural gesture of
submission for dogs. And teaching a dog to shake hands is pretty
easy. This is also a good training for grooming time-nail
clipping.

Tip 5.1—Be on the same level with your dog, say ‘Paw!’ as you
outstretch you hand. As he raises his paw, gently grasp it and
shake. You may want to treat him if he quickly lands his paw onto
your palm instead of raising it up.


Jumping --– Most dogs have very nimble bodies, they’re capable to
jump at a great height if there’s a reward (food) at the higher
end. This is something that should be discouraged as it a form of
food begging. However there’s a more constructive way to play is
using hurdles.

Tip 6.1—For a beginner, use rollup wrapping paper as the hurdle.
Support it with two baby stools at both ends. As your dog gains
more accomplishment, increase the height. This game is unsuitable
for growing puppies as their bones are still very fragile.


Hide-and-Seek --– If dogs have middle name, Sherlock Holmes will
be it. Dogs just love to find things, especially you. They can
play this game for hours with allies or enemies alike. They also
love to be found.

Tip 7.1 -- Tell your dog to sit-stay. Then find a great hiding
place. Once you’re away from his view, call out his name for him
to come to look for you. Increase the repetitions of his name if
he gets farther away. A treat must be given when he finds you.
This game is best played on familiar grounds with limited to no
distraction, definitely a no-no in a crowded park.

So what are you waiting for? You don’t need your dog to fetch you
those smelling slippers to get you off your couch!


Renée Alexandrea is an experienced dog handler with a
keen interest in animal behavior and alternative health. As a
former show dog exhibitor, breeder, and canine rescuer,
she has helped many owners build healthy relationships with their dogs.
She regularly writes at http://www.smalldogsparadise.com
www.SmallDogsParadise.com, sharing her vast knowledge on
Holistic Approach to Pampering Small Dogs.



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