Does training your dog ever feel tedious, ineffective, or like a chore to you? When it comes to dog training, there are various methods and techniques to practice – but who said it has to be boring? There are plenty of games to reinforce dog training – oftentimes, when simply playing with your dog, you are helping reinforce important skills without even knowing it!
Incorporating games into your pup’s training can be a fun and effective way to reinforce their skills and keep them motivated. By combining fun, patience, and practice, you’ll be able to strengthen your bond with your dog, while also helping them become a sharper companion!
Check out these games (that you may already be doing!) designed to help reinforce different aspects of your dog’s training and why they work:
Hide & Seek – Recall Training
A classic game to reinforce dog training! Hide and seek is perfect for reinforcing recall training, as it encourages your dog to come towards your voice when called. Playing indoors and outdoors in different hiding spots can strengthen their recall capabilities. Over time, your dog will become more skilled at finding you, which means you will need to step up your hiding game! There’s nothing better than the reaction and excitement your dog shows when you’re spotted!
Tug of War – Obedience Training
Playing Tug of War with your dog serves as a training tool to reinforce obedience training while improving their problem-solving skills. Tug of War allows your dog to practice impulse control and responsiveness to your cues, such as “Take it” and “Drop It”. Use a designated tug toy, such as a jolly toy or rope braid to avoid encouragement of inappropriate biting habits on other objects. As your pup practices and gets a sense of ‘winning’, they will be excited to bring the toy back to you for another round of pulling!
Play Fetch – Retrieve Training
A popular option for retrieval training is through a game of fetch. Fetch is more than just a game to reinforce dog training – it’s an excellent way for your pup to exercise. Retrieval training is a mix of retrieving, recall, and obedience training all in one. Running after and searching for a favorite toy is mentally stimulating and rewarding, which improves your dog’s mood and confidence!
Waiting Game – Impulse Control Training
Another popular training ‘game’ dog owners do is the ‘wait game’. Whether you ask your dog to sit, stay, or wait before an activity, you reinforce impulse control training. These common activities include waiting before going outside, sitting before a bowl of food is put down, or staying as you lay a treat in front of them. After their release, rewarding your dog helps encourage good behavior, increases patience, and builds trust.
When playing games to reinforce dog training, be sure to reward your pup consistently with treats, lots of pets, or praise to keep them motivated to perform even better the next time you play!
Looking to get started on training? GoodPup’s virtual one-on-one dog training app connects you with certified, positive reinforcement trainers that guide you through courses, including a weekly video call, daily training goals, and text check-ins whenever you have questions.
