What are your favourite games to play with your dog?

[mintchocchick]

I need a few ideas for playing with my dog both for me and the kids.

He is 6 months old and every evening he has a bit of a mad playful hour! As this coincides with us finally getting a chance to crash out on the sofa we tend to do the same old same old - throw a toy for him, he brings back, won't let go, wrestles with us, get it off him, throw it ......

Gets bit boring though he seems happy enough! The kids can't play this game with him as he gets hyper very quickly and they get scared that he's going to bite them accidentally while he's grabbing onto the toy. Any ideas for other games to play inside?

How about hiding treats or his favourite toy around the room for him to find?

Have you had a go at teaching him 'give' or 'drop' in exchange for something else he might want (another toy or favourite treat)? It really helps to keep the games calmer if they learn that one. Pip has to 'give' me his toy, then 'wait' until I throw it again. All those little things like give, wait, drop etc help them to learn self-control, which ultimately is what helps them to grow into well mannered adults.

Boxes with treats hidden in are good for keeping them busy, but can be a bit noisy if you're trying to watch tv.

Clicker training. Check you tube for ideas. It's great fun for you all and tires them out with the bonus they are being trained too.

Thanks moose - I'm going to try teaching give or drop when the kids are at school next week so we can start using that. Yes I agree the self control thing works really well to calm them - about the only thing stopping minty running off after joggers, is getting him to focus on me holding a treat up against my eye while saying " whatsis" over and over again! I was taught it as a technique to develop concentration and it really works for him - though I've noticed him flicking glances recently at the joggers as they pass as though the temptation to chase is getting stronger!

Will try that and hiding toys as the boys would love that

My dog loves to play chase. I run away, she runs after me. I then turn around and chase her, and so forth.