Of all the things we do with our dogs,
the game they seem to like the best is "Find It!". This is like
canine hide and seek. We execute it like this: We set the dogs up in a room on
sit/stays. If your dog does not know this command, or is not solid on it, use a
helper to hold the dog out of site. Grab a favorite toy, a stuffed toy works
great because it can capture and hold your scent best, but anything will work,
such as a tennis ball or kong toy. If your dog is of the sporting group
or a mix thereof, the scenting part will come naturally. If not, still give
this a try, its a great mental workout, and most dogs will love it, not only
for the challenge, but for the interaction with you.
Rub your hands over the toy well and
then place the toy in front of the dog’s nose so they know what they are
looking for. If the dog licks or bites the toy, that is even better,
because his own scent will be on it as well as yours. Leave the dog out of
site and place the toy in an obvious location in another room. To start out, be
obvious so success will follow. Return to your dog, place your hands in front
of his nose and say, "Find It!" in an energetic, fun voice. Some dogs
will understand immediately how the game is played. They will hunt down the toy
and either bring it to you or at the very least grab it and "celebrate
it". This is where you make a big deal by lots of verbal praise, whooping
and hollering!
For the dog who is confused lead him
into the room where you have placed the toy and repeat the command. Watch him
and give him a chance, if he is still confused in a few seconds show it to him
and repeat the command. When he grabs it, give lots of verbal praise. Repeat
the game and the dog will catch on.
This is a fantastic bad weather day
activity to burn off energy. But it is a great outside game too. Use the same
method, we sit/stay in the garage and hide in the yard, under bushes or in the
seats of the patio furniture, etc.
Remember to increase the difficulty of
the game. You will be astounded at your dog's progression.
Ways to increase mental work besides
increasing the difficulty are to teach the dog the command for
"drop". When he finds the toy, hold out your hand and say drop. Some
will get it right away, make sure to praise. For those who don't, pry apart the
jaw and repeat the command. When the toy is released, use lots of verbal praise
and go immediately into another round of play. For the dog who wants you to
chase him with the toy, totally ignore it. Turn your back and walk away
unconcerned, this will extinguish the undesired behavior when repeated enough.
You can also teach a command for returning back to the designated sit/stay
position also. Use a phrase like, "Get Ready!" or "Line
Up". If repeated consistently, they will catch on.
This is a great bonding game, which you
know I love, building the companionship between you and your dog. It also
fulfills the mental and physical needs our dogs have that come from generations
of working for humans. Try it today!!