Playing can be used to incorporate training in a stress-free setting, since you are not in the “training mode” mindset and therfore placing expectations on your dog. One game that I found our dogs love is racing. This specific game is beneficial for several reasons: 1- it gives the dogs a little aerobic exercise; 2- it reinforces the “stay” command, and 3- can be used in “casting”.
To play the game, I set the dogs in a “stay” command and then walk off a distance. It has taken time to get them to this point, but they now stay until I recall them by whistling and waving my arm. When I begin training them in casting, this game will become the method in which I recall them.
Tags: dog training, games for your dog, playing with your dog, training hunting dogs
