Games: Stress Busters & Relationship Boosters

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Games: Stress Busters & Relationship Boosters
Posted on December 26, 2010 by pawsitivedawgs| Leave a comment

Original posting April 21, 2010

Fun and games are so important for all dogs but are especially useful for crazy dogs.

Games set up positive associations between pet and person encouraging each to enjoy the others company.

A 2003 study (Rooney & Bradshaw) found correlations between dogs who played games involving physical contact with their people were less likely to show signs of distress when separated from their person.

Although there is no way of telling which games were most beneficial, it is important to note that this study and others on dog-human play show that games have impacts on our relationships.

I would happily take that a step further and suggest that games improve relationships and improve responsiveness toward humans.

Let’s try a simple experiment as suggested by Angleica Steinker: right now, write a list of words describing your dog (his personality, reflecting how you feel about him).
Starting tomorrow, engage in a game with your dog for two minutes 10 times over the day – that’s only 20 minutes of fun. At the end of the day write another list describing your dog. Compare the two lists.

Interesting, isn’t it?!

Having fun with each other is an effective way to cement your relationship and as you can see play changes how we feel about the other participant.

Games can be used as a reward for good and calm behaviour and fun is the perfect tension reducer.
But…

Because they are fun, games are highly arousing and exciting for dogs so great care must be taken when playing.

Games have rules:
# dog stops game on cue every time
# dog only starts the game when invited and never at other times
# there should be lots of obedience breaks during games
# dog touching human = end of the game

Each of these rules are equally important and everyone, including the dog, should be aware of them.Check out our blog post Dogs just wanna have fun for lots on teaching the rules of different games and the ins & outs of having fun with your pet.

Using games to combat the cerrraaaazzzzzy:

* after each round of a game (one round = one throw of the ball etc.) have an obedience break that is at least twice the length of the game round – game is 30 seconds, obedience break is 1 minute etc.
* strictly abide by the rules at ALL times
* obedience breaks should include lots of calmer behaviours to bring your dog down from excitement e.g. mat work, down stays, simple targeting exercises, crate work
* if your dog is excited have a longer obedience break with your dog in a down stay or with some crate time – wait from him to calm before continuing
* practice calm and attentive exercises before continuing with the game – wait for your dog to be still before continuing
* use games to get your dog Jazzed up and then Settle him down with a quick matwork exercise
* bring a tug toy or other favourite when on training sessions and use as a reward for calm behaviour (at a safe distance from triggers) – always have the trigger out of sight when playing as your dog is likely to get excited and may re-direct this excitement to barking and lunging at the trigger
* by playing after exposure to a trigger your dog will get the chance to relieve some tension and frustration; then reset before another session
* play is a high value reinforcer so use the opportunity to play as a reward for good behaviour instead of treats
* plays helps to teach your pet to focus on you so lots of play before and during walkies will help to keep your dog focused on you (remember to have calm exercises right after and between games)
* Premack it – only initiate your dog’s favourite game when your dog is calm
* have fun!