Time for a Play Date?

Hello, and welcome

As Linda discussed last week, it can be really rewarding to try something new. So I thought I’d help you embrace the concept of an ‘Artist’s Date’ with your dog by providing a quick list of 3 of my favourite novel games to play with your canine companion.

I’d love to hear in the comments if you try any of these out!

HIDE AND SEEK

This can be as simple or complex as you like! Level 1 - hiding a treat somewhere safe around your home or garden and asking your dog to find it. Level 2 - hiding yourself, while your dog stays in another room in a ‘wait’ (or with another human), until you call them to come and find you. Level 3 - hiding a scented toy or object (smells like catnip or tea work well) and getting your dog to find where you’ve hidden it.

101 THINGS TO DO WITH A CARDBOARD BOX

I love playing with my dog and simple household objects. Cardboard boxes that are destined for the recycling van can be utilised for lots of fun for your dog first! Hide treats in a box filled with torn paper or rolled fabric for a game of ‘lucky dip’. Ask your dog to get in the box, run through the box, hide in the box, push the box. If it’s sturdy enough, use the box as a posing platform for cute photos of your dog! Get creative and try ‘thinking outside of the box’ (pardon the pun!) when it comes to cardboard games with your dog :)

TOY F.T.D.C.

What’s F.T.D.C? find → tug → drop → clean up

Play with toys can be stepped up a level when you use the F.T.D.C. approach. Now instead of you just providing your dog with a toy for a quick game of tug, they first have to find the toy hidden around your home. Next, you use the game of ‘tug’ for some ‘drop’ or ‘leave’ practise. And finally, it’s time for your dog to pop that toy away in their toy box. Train each of these areas of the game separately to start with, then combine for a complete physical and mental workout!

What’s your favourite game to play with your dog? I’d love some inspiration from you - add your top game into the comments below.

Until next time, have fun playing!

Caroline