🎄 Happy December 14th 🎄
Today's exercise is a simple and fun impulse control game that teaches the dog that patience and self-control can pay off 🐾🍪.
Many dogs may feel cheated if they don't always get first, but with this game they discover that waiting is actually an advantage. The exercise is especially good for dogs that may be resource-defensive towards food, as it helps them learn that others can also get it without it threatening their own safety.
How to do it:
1. Find a bowl, cup or tub:
This will be the "other dog" in the game - a kind of imaginary friend who also gets treats. Place it in front of the dog so that it can see what is going on.
2. Hand out treats alternately:
Start by giving the dog a treat. Then put a treat in the cup. Repeat several times: one for the dog, one for the cup. The purpose is to show that treats will still come, even when the "other dog" gets them first.
3. Increase the difficulty:
Once the dog starts to understand, you can give more treats to the cup before the dog gets it back. Also try giving the cup first. This teaches the dog that it pays to wait and that it doesn't have to compete for resources.
4. If the dog goes for the cup:
Calmly cover the cup with your hand, without saying "no" or correcting. Wait until the dog withdraws on its own, then reward it. This helps the dog learn that self-control brings rewards.
5. Keep it fun and calm:
Vary the pace and be sure to praise the dog along the way. Make it a fun game where the dog feels safe and appreciated 🌟.
This game is great for strengthening impulse control and building trust, especially for dogs who may feel pressured around food. By taking responsibility for their choices, the dog learns that it pays to wait patiently – both in play and in life 🤗❤️.
How are you doing with impulse control? Share your experiences on Facebook! ✨🐕
About Zara Zachariasen from Dog Life
Zara is a dedicated dog trainer and passionate dog owner.
Zara's love for dogs and the relationship between dog and owner shines through in her approach to training. She pays attention to detail and often has a strong theoretical approach to her teaching.
Zara currently works full-time as a dog trainer in her company Hundeliv. Here she shares her knowledge with physical training classes, and as a presenter of webinars, workshops and articles.
Follow Zara on the Facebook page " Hundeliv ," where she shares her own training experiences and reflections.
Advent Calendar with Dog Life | Door 14 - Teach your dog a new impulse control game
🎄 Happy December 14th 🎄
Today's exercise is a simple and fun impulse control game that teaches the dog that patience and self-control can pay off 🐾🍪.
Many dogs may feel cheated if they don't always get first, but with this game they discover that waiting is actually an advantage. The exercise is especially good for dogs that may be resource-defensive towards food, as it helps them learn that others can also get it without it threatening their own safety.
How to do it:
1. Find a bowl, cup or tub:
This will be the "other dog" in the game - a kind of imaginary friend who also gets treats. Place it in front of the dog so that it can see what is going on.
2. Hand out treats alternately:
Start by giving the dog a treat. Then put a treat in the cup. Repeat several times: one for the dog, one for the cup. The purpose is to show that treats will still come, even when the "other dog" gets them first.
3. Increase the difficulty:
Once the dog starts to understand, you can give more treats to the cup before the dog gets it back. Also try giving the cup first. This teaches the dog that it pays to wait and that it doesn't have to compete for resources.
4. If the dog goes for the cup:
Calmly cover the cup with your hand, without saying "no" or correcting. Wait until the dog withdraws on its own, then reward it. This helps the dog learn that self-control brings rewards.
5. Keep it fun and calm:
Vary the pace and be sure to praise the dog along the way. Make it a fun game where the dog feels safe and appreciated 🌟.
This game is great for strengthening impulse control and building trust, especially for dogs who may feel pressured around food. By taking responsibility for their choices, the dog learns that it pays to wait patiently – both in play and in life 🤗❤️.
How are you doing with impulse control? Share your experiences on Facebook! ✨🐕
About Zara Zachariasen from Dog Life
Zara is a dedicated dog trainer and passionate dog owner.
Zara's love for dogs and the relationship between dog and owner shines through in her approach to training. She pays attention to detail and often has a strong theoretical approach to her teaching.
Zara currently works full-time as a dog trainer in her company Hundeliv. Here she shares her knowledge with physical training classes, and as a presenter of webinars, workshops and articles.
Follow Zara on the Facebook page " Hundeliv ," where she shares her own training experiences and reflections.