There is still a bit of wolf in every dog. Therefore, fighting for "prey", chasing each other and fighting are typical behavioral characteristics that your four-legged friend should be allowed to act out from time to time in order to really work out.
Pulling games bring fun and play with dogs. But so that both of you can enjoy the game together, here are a few tips.
Fun and games with dogs - drawing games
The goal of the pulling games is, on the one hand, that your dog can work out and, on the other hand, also listens to you when it gets too big. So obedience is encouraged in a playful way.
Play step-by-step
- Various toys are suitable for pulling games, for example rings made of hard rubber orknotted ropes . With a little skill you can also make a rope yourself from an old rope. It is important that the material cannot cause any injuries in your dog's sensitive mouth while he is tugging at the toy. Sharp edges are taboo!
- Encourage play by encouraging your dog to play with the toy . Wave it in front of his nose, then hide it behind your back and keep pushing him until he wants it badly.
- When your dog grabs his toy, don't let go, but playfully pull on the "prey" in your turn. Your four-legged friend will now press his front paws into the ground and try to snatch the toy away from you, growling and growling.
- Towards the end of this game, you should allow variety: Either you treat your dog to a short victory triumph and let it do a short lap of honor with its "booty", or you keep the toy, praise your animal and then stow the object until the next game together without alerting the dog again.
Tip: It is completely normal and part of the game for your dog to let out a growl or two during the tug- of-war. The more time you spend with your dog, the more precisely you will learn his spoken language and be able to better assess situations and moods.
Important: With each variant, you always have to emerge victorious from the game at the end. Don't be afraid to give your dog a brief triumph. But then you have to make him understand that you decide the game.
Best let him "Sit!" do, say "Off!" and praise him as soon as he drops the toy.
Play and fun without a leash
Let's really romp around, meet fellow dogs and walk without an annoying leash. An outlet without a leash must be. You should treat your dog to this as often as possible. Of course, this is only possible away from traffic. In addition, your dog should have sufficient basic obedience.
Without a leash step-by-step
- A walk on a leash, just around the block; that doesn't really make a dog happy. And it gets boring for you too.
- Find out from your community or in special dog forums on the Internet where there is a dog park in your area where free running is allowed. Not only does your dog meet conspecifics there, you can also find new acquaintances and friends through your shared hobby.
- Don't be afraid of scuffles! It's natural for two dogs to sort out their ranking when they meet. Serious biting only occurs in exceptional cases. Most of the time, however, these are harmless brawls that look worse to humans than they are. Don't get involved here!
- The better your dog masters the rules of basic obedience, the easier it is for you to avoid arguments with other dogs. Call your dog early and let him "Sit!" close to you. do until the other dog has passed.
- After the first walk without a leash, you will know why your dog enjoys it so much: Sniffing each other, playing and racing are moments of true happiness for your dog.
Good to know: Many four-legged friends show behavioral problems because they rarely meet other dogs and are therefore unable to pursue their natural social behavior.
ATTENTION! In the spring and summer months you should leash your dog in the woods and fields and only let it run on safe dog parks. Because then many forest animals raise their offspring.
