Predatory Drift

A serious concern inherent in size disparities between dogs or between a dog and a cat, for instance, is that of predatory drift, in which the smaller animal moves in a prey-like way that triggers a sudden predatory response from the larger dog or a group of dogs. This is a recipe for potentially deadly disaster.

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Crate Training

Dogs, like their wolf predecessors, like to have a den to call their own. And it's a great training tool for you as well. To attract your dog to her crate, put a Kong stuffed with her favorite food in the crate and close the door, with the dog locked out. It won't take long for her to figure out which side of that door she'd rather be on! Make sure to build up her tolerance to time alone in the crate gradually.

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Hide and Seek

One way to burn off some mental energy is to find games that are specifically suited to your dog's breed. German Shepherds, with their excellent noses, are great at sniffing games.

This one is just like you played as a kid... Put your dog in a sit-stay, then go off and hide. Say the release word "OK" and call her name. Let her sniff you out!

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Archive OLDT :: Yard Games

For those lucky dogs who enjoy access to a fenced-in yard, there is an assortment of activities that can be enjoyed, for the solitary dog as well as for dog-human playmates!

Digging
Some dogs are unabashed diggers. The dachshund is such a breed, bred to dig in search of rodents. Digging is actually a good source of exercise -- it's a great workout for the forelimbs. So, rather than trying to inhibit the behavior completely, it's better to reach a compromise by giving your pooch a designated digging area or sandbox in which to exercise this instinctive behavior. In order to attract the behavior to the designated area, dig a shallow hole and bury a ziplock baggy of treats. As he digs to reveal the baggy, open it up and produce a treat for him. As he progresses, plant the baggy slightly deeper in the dirt. You can use a heavier dirt medium or pack it more tightly for added challenge.
   You can also bury stuffed puzzle toys in the soil for his search and recovery. Make sure to supervise so that you can discourage your pup's digging in other parts of the lawn. For building a canine athlete, do this exercise three or four times a week

Other Yard Activities
  • Hang tug toys from tree branches for some solitary tug play. Perhaps start by hanging toys that the two of you have used in tugging games together.
  • Some dogs enjoy tossing a jolly ball (large, inflatable rubber ball) around the yard.
  • Putting a Buster Cube or Tricky Treat ball filled with kibble out in the yard can be a great pastime.
  • Fill a kiddie wading pool with water for a pleasant cooling station for your pooch. Exercise care with small dogs -- they should be able to get in and out easily and the water level should be appropriate for their size.
  • Take a class in agility or nose work at a local training facility and then set up a course in your backyard. These are fun activities that you can do together!
  • Of course, it goes without saying that there are such games as fetch and "go find it!" Check out the article Games to Play with your Dog for more ideas!
It's important that you supervise your dog while he spends time in the yard. You don't want him developing bad habits like barking at passers-by, fence running, or chasing small critters that enter the yard unwittingly. And of course, too much time outside, especially on especially hot or cold days (depending on the dog), can be dangerous, so watch for signs of excessive panting, heat exhaustion, or shivering. If your pooch asks to go inside, he's had enough!