I was over in Cumming last Tuesday at a new Home Dog Training client and his Labrador Retriever named Jamie. Jamie was about a year and a half old and full of “Labrador Retriever energy”. (There is a reason that they call them “Crazy Labs”!)  He loved to grab stuff, leap up on family members, never pay attention if you asked him to come to you, and just be a cute but very bothersome wild child.  It took about four hours to train my client how to be Jamie’s leader.

Play inside and outside with your dog

Jamie finally came to the epiphany that he was no longer the Grand Poobah (Refer to The Flintstones) of the house.  My client was excited with the results we were able to achieve in such a short period of time. As we were winding up, my client asked about “play time”.  Now that he understood that he couldn’t let Jamie simply “get away with stuff”, how should he deal with “play time and Jamie”?

I began my response by asking my client if he remembered back to his days in Grade School when he went to recess. Recess allowed him and his classmates time to get out in the fresh air, take a break, and just let off some steam. That time was actually very beneficial because it allowed him and his classmates the opportunity to strengthen relationships instead of just conjugating verbs.

Although he may find it hard to believe, I told my client that playing and the appropriate use of “play time” is a critical part of Jamie’s training as well!

When playing with your dog, it all comes down to the rules you establish and behavior you demand. It is very important to understand that “inside” is very different than “outside”.  The rules you establish and activities you perform can be very different in these two environments.

When playing inside, it is important to understand that this location will also be the place where you will want your dog calm when it is not “play time”.   To make this happen, you need to keep your “inside play activities” as calm and focused as possible. I suggested the following inside play tips and activities:

  • When in the house, always display a calm demeanor when playing with your dog.  Do not play in “high traffic” or confined locations such as entrance ways, the kitchen, or hallways. Direct your playful activities to larger, more open areas.  Examples of these areas could be your family room or a large, enclosed back porch.  If it is “clean and empty”, you could also use your garage.
  • Always have the ability to quickly stand while you are playing.  Standing is a natural demonstration of dominance and tells your dog, “I am done playing”.  If things start to get a little too crazy and adrenalized, you need to quickly click the “off switch”.  Standing up clearly communicates that to your dog.
  • Play tranquil games such as “roll the ball” or “hide and go seek” with a toy or goodie.
  • Practice your obedience exercises as part of your dog’s playtime.  Have him sit, stay, and come.
  • Although we don’t use tricks as part of our Behavioral Training Program, they are fine when it comes to your dog’s playtime. “Roll over”, “play dead”, and “Shake my hand” are always fun things to do with your dog.
  • The most important thing that you must remember is that playing inside should be fun, but always controlled.

Now, let’s take a look at the play time activities for you and your dog when you are outside.  Think of it like this; you were never allowed to play football in the living room.  You were always told to “take it outside” and play football in the back yard. The same is true with your dog.  You don’t want to “play crazy” inside, but “playing crazy” outside is just fine…

I offered some suggestions:

  • Limit your play to a fenced in area.  You don’t want your very active and highly excited dog to focus on something up the street or in the neighbor’s back yard and take off like a rocket.
  • It is never a smart idea to engage in rough or highly exuberant play with a large or powerful dog. They will often interpret your energized activity as an invitation for them to jump and be overly physical with you. I don’t think that you want your American Bulldog jumping on everyone coming into the house.
  • Never play games like “Chase me! Chase me! / Tag You Are It!”.  This tells your dog that it is perfectly acceptable to always chase you and/or your guests and to “tag them”.  Humans “tag” someone by touching them on the shoulder.  Dogs “tag” other dogs by jumping on them and nipping their fur.  This is definitely something you don’t want your dog to do to your family members, neighbors, or house guests.
  • If your dog tends to be overly hyper, don’t play “Where is the birdie! Where is the birdie!  Go get the Birdie!” with him.  This encourages your dog being hyperactive both outside and inside.
  • Don’t play tug of war with your dog.  This encourages him not to give you things back when you ask.
  • So, what types of games should you play with your dog when you guys are outside? Games such as fetch, or forage are perfect games to play. Any game that gets him to “simply run around” is perfect. Provide him with Kong toys or other toys that stimulate his mind. Think about playing “scent games” where you put a goodie under one of three buckets and encourage your dog to find the goodie.

Try to play with your dog for at least 30 to 60 minutes outside every day. It is fine if you want to break this time into smaller increments.  Each session should be at least 10 minutes long.

As I mentioned earlier, play time is part of your dog’s education.  It establishes a bond of trust and respect between you and your dog.  In addition, it permits you to view how your dog reacts to specific stimuli and situations.  Do not only play inside with your dog.  Just like recess, your dog needs time “just to go crazy”. You don’t want to do this inside.

Use your common sense. Don’t promote games that reward behaviors you do not want in your dog. Focus on games that reward your dog for obeying and respecting your rules.

Please call Robin or me at (770) 718-7704 if you need any dog training help.  We are blessed to have been your local dog training professionals for over seventeen years.  We have trained over 5,000 great dogs and loving families and are ready to help you.