Games for Dogs when the Weather is Frightful

Cabin fever can strike at any time. No one is immune, not you, not the kids and especially not your furry, four-legged friend. You may try to ignore it, but you know the signs. Fido eats your socks, chews your shoes, drops toys in your lap or wanders around the house pouting. He may even regress back into the bad dog you thought he left in puppyhood. Before you put him (and maybe the kids) out in the dog house, consider taking a few minutes to play some simple indoor games with your dog.

Playing games with your dog is not only a great way to use up a bit of energy; it is an effective way to bond with, earn trust from and train your dog. Your dog will think each of these games is simply a game, but secretly you will know these dog training games are working Fluffy's brain as well as her body.

First let's establish a few basic guidelines for any canine game time:

· Begin any game with a command such as "let's play" or "playtime". This helps establish that you are initiating the play and lets your dog know that it is time to have fun.

· Keep play sessions short and allow for a brief wind down period. Sessions of 15 or 20 minutes will help your dog keep their focus and will prevent them from getting over-stimulated.

· End the game with a command like "all done" or "game over". Use the end command when playtime is over and consider giving your dog a treat such as a kong to help them wind down.

Those are the only rules. Feel free to establish your own as needed and adapt the following games to your dog's needs.

Hide and Seek

This classic game is best played with your dog and at least 2 people. Have one individual place the dog in a "stay" while the other finds a location in the house to hide. Release the dog and encourage him to locate the hider. When the dog finds the hiding person offer lots of praise. If the dog struggles at the outset of the game guide him around the house and to the location of the hider. Consider calling out to the dog if needed until he catches the on. Increase the difficulty of the game by making the dog sit and stay without being held while you hide.

Follow the Leader

Do a little "crazy run" and get your dog to give chase. Promptly turn to your dog and give a command like "sit", "stop" or "wait". Resume the crazy run and repeat at irregular intervals. Add treats when a command is performed correctly. Set up obstacles such as pillows or books to increase the challenge.

Find the Treat

Place your dog in a sit/stay in one room and hide a treat in another. Recruit an assistant to help hold the dog if needed. Once the treat is hidden give a release command, such as "find it", and guide the dog to the treat location. After a few sessions your dog will improve their location skills, so be prepared to step up the game accordingly.

There are, of course, many more games for training dogs. The above games are just a starting point for puppy training games or any dog that is feeling a bit stir-crazy. Anything your dog enjoys that is safe, active and interactive can be added in to your game time.