Games we can play!
Basket Game
1. Get a basket, trash can, traffic cone,
laundry basket, jump wing, etc.
Stand right next
to an object and mark “yes” for your dog going around either direction. Try to not use too much luring or help. We like if they can try to figure out what to
do to get the reward. Do this until you
don’t have to help and they are going side to side around the object. Always mark “yes” and reward/praise and
celebrate!!
2. Step back
about 1 foot and line up the dog on your side in an informal ‘heel’. Step toward the object, use the dog-side hand
and ‘bowl’ them toward the side to go around the object.
*dog on left –
step with left foot, use left hand, go around from left to right or
clockwise.
*dog on right –
step right foot, use right hand, go around from right to left or
counter-clockwise
3. Step back another foot and continue with same
as step 2. You can start dropping the
treat on the floor as the dog circles to encourage them to race (or chase)
back. I use a toy and toss or roll it
behind me after they circle. Encourages
fun and drive.
Remember: Mark,
Reward, Celebrate
4. Continue moving away and adding
distance. Always step once, if you need
to make a ‘bigger’ step or multiple steps because they won’t circle, go back to
step 2. In other words, you progressed too
fast for your dog.
5. Add a second circle around the object.
Move back up to
the object, send your dog around and as they complete, send them around again
with a hand gesture. (usually the same
gesture as sending the first time)
On the second
time around, back up to encourage speed and chasing you. Use your dog’s natural instinct of chasing to
encourage excitement and play. Practice
both directions.
6. Back up 1 step and ask for two circles. Practice both sides and CELEBRATE with your
dog! Continue adding distance and play.
7. Movement from
you in opposite direction.
As your dog is
circling, you begin to walk backwards while sending them to the object. Your movement away shouldn’t change the game
for your dog. Start with moving at the
end of the circle, one step at a time.
As they get better, you move sooner and sooner. If you can’t get them to circle, then back
up, you missed a step in your game and they need more practice.
Sometimes
we get stuck on the idea of the finished product. Don’t focus on getting to the last step,
instead focus on what your dog understands.
Take all the time you need at each step before moving on so there aren’t
in ‘holes’ in their learning. If you
find you aren’t getting what you want 10 out of 10 tries (1 practice session),
then you moved too fast and they are missing a piece of the game. Start back at the beginning. If your dog isn’t having fun, getting excited
and getting faster each time you play, then change your approach mentally. Maybe you
are the one not making it fun J MARK,
REWARD, CELEBRATE
