09/06/2026
For max and Kaos: Three Simple Dog Training Games
Training your dog doesn't have to be strict or rigid. Try thinking of training as teaching your dog to play. Here are three dog training games to get you started.
How to Teach a Dog to Come and Follow
Pick a quiet place and fill your pocket with small treats. Walk around and give your dog a treat if they follow you. Then give the "follow" command, walk away without looking back and give them a treat if they obey. Change up your speed and direction, and reward your dog for following.
How to Teach a Dog to Drop It
Leash your dog and toss one of their favorite toys on the floor. When they pick it up, either call them to you or gently pull them to you on the leash. Put one hand on the toy and say "give." With your other hand, offer a treat. If your dog releases the toy, praise them and give the treat as a reward.
Leash 2 people game: Tell your dog to sit and stay, and then hide somewhere (and keep your location easy at first). Call your dog's name, wait, and repeat it if needed. When your dog finds you, give them a treat and praise! OR: Instead of hiding yourself, you can also hide a treat or toy, and then guide your dog until they find it.
Expert Tips for Making Dog Training into a Game
Do NOT repeat commands. Your dog will see it as a request, which means that obedience is on the dog's terms, and he/she is training you! Smart dogs do that!
The good news is you can train your dog to respond to commands and to continue doing behaviors you want - while curbing the undesirable ones. Here are some expert tips to help make training more fun and effective for you and your dog:
Tip 1: Always Use Positive Reinforcement
Training, like play, should be upbeat(dont use the baby high liycjed unless it is a positive behavioral change)with positive reinforcement for the dog,.
Just as dogs prefer different play styles, they also respond to different types of positive reinforcement. Your pet's personality, motivations and maturity may factor into what works best for them.
Some positive reinforcements to try include food, praise, toys and play. Food rewards can be a good place to start, as they're sure to capture your dog's attention. However, food can quickly lose its effectiveness. As your training progresses, try phasing out food and integrating praise and play, which can be more effective and relevant in the long run.
So, what does that look like for your dog? Find what your dog LOVES:balls, tell them to sit and stay before giving the ball. After a few repetitions, they'll realize they get the ball when they complete the desired task.
Tip 2: Know When to Train
Wagging, running and jumping? These signs tell you that your dog is in the mood to play - and that means they're likely in a good mental and physical space for training, too.
Always end trainj g on the command such as “free or release”.
