A well-trained dog trusts its owner and feels safe in its environment. A confident and happy dog can be achieved through trust-building games. Just like building trust with people, dogs also require trust as an essential element in their relationship with their owners. Trust is fostered through consistency, clear communication, and knowing where you stand. Let’s figure out how to build trust with your dog using the pet training game.
Best Training Games for Dogs
#1 Hide And Seek
You play the hider in this game, while your dog attempts to seek you out! Begin by hiding in a different room or section of the yard. Then, call your puppy and patiently wait for them to find you! This game is also beneficial for improving your dog’s recall. It’s a good idea to have a friend or family member distract your dog while you take the time to hide. Switch roles as the hider in each round.
If your pup initially struggles to find you, try hiding with a tempting treat, allowing them to utilize their nose to assist them in the search!
#2 Just play
Good old-fashioned play is unbeatable when it comes to building relationships. Dogs adore tugging and chasing, so investing in a flirting pole, which consists of a pole with a rope and a toy at the end, can be incredibly rewarding!
When dogs play and have fun, they feel great, and what better way to establish yourself as a good friend than by making them feel good?
If you have a dog that hasn’t had the chance to play or has never played before, there may be some challenges. In that case, you might need to introduce playtime from scratch. For starters, you can watch movies together where people play with dogs. With the VPN on Roku, you can find a lot of themed content. Why do you need a VPN for Roku? So that you can unblock those films and TV series that are simply not available in your region.
#3 The Name Game
If you have no experience raising a puppy, you may assume that dogs automatically know their names. However, they can quickly learn it, especially if you choose a distinct name that does not resemble other common words you use.
Engage in a playful activity by calling your puppy’s name using a cheerful tone. When they respond by looking at you or coming closer, reward them with praise, patting, and a delicious treat!
#4 Treasure Hunt
To engage in a treasure hunt, think of it as a variation of hide and seek. However, instead of you hiding, there is a rewarding “treasure” of treats or toys that awaits discovery. Begin with simple hiding places like a corner or a rock. As your furry friend progresses, you can unleash your creativity and even bury toys outdoors in a sandpit for them to excavate!
To make the game more effective, determine what motivates your dog the most. Popular rewards often include a favored toy or treat. There are even special sets on the Internet. Just before purchasing anything online, enable the VPN for Firefox or whatever browser you use. This is necessary to protect your payment information.
#5 Teaching Tricks
Sometimes the most effective training comes from simple games. Begin by choosing a trick that you feel comfortable sticking with. Starting with tricks like paw, hi-five, or crawl is usually a good idea.
If you’ve adopted a dog, they may be new to training, allowing you the freedom to train them your way. However, depending on their background, your rescue dog may have received some initial training at the center. If possible, talk to the center staff to learn about any known history, games that engage them, and their motivating factors (such as food!).
Regardless of the trick you choose, the key is to set your dog up for success and provide plenty of positive reinforcement and rewards!
However, avoid introducing too many new things quickly, as it can confuse your dog. Stick to one game long enough to overcome initial challenges and always take your time with training. If hi-five isn’t their thing, they might prefer offering a paw, so start there and build upon it!
#6 Make Eye Contact
Teach your dog to make eye contact by holding a treat to your forehead or by your eye. Ask your dog to look at you while gradually phasing out the reward. Eventually, use a hand signal and a verbal command to prompt your dog to look at you. This fundamental behavior not only helps capture your dog’s attention when they’re distracted but also stimulates the release of oxytocin in both you and your furry friend. Oxytocin, known as the attachment hormone between parent and child, is affectionately referred to as “eye hugs” by scientists.
Conclusion
A friendly relationship with a dog is not built in one day, it is a process that requires your time. If you want your dog to trust you, give him more time and use these games. They will help your dog become smarter, gain valuable skills, and trust you more.
