Remember when you were a kid and you wanted your Mom’s attention? Hey Mom! Look at me! Now you’re a dog owner and you’re still trying to get somebody’s attention.
Remember, you’ve got the advantage. Your secret weapon is a toy that you’ve got and your dog wants. When your dog tug toy is the only toy in the universe that’s worth having because you’ve got it, and they want it, the game is ON! And you’re in control.
Got To Have That
That’s what interactive dog toys do at their best. They’re designed to give you leverage. When you have the dog toy they want, the only question they’ll ask is “what do I do to get it”? Now they’ve got us right where we want to be, in the drivers seat.
Do It Again, Do It Again?
Dogs love to play “Chase me,” “Keep away,” and my personal favorite, “Tug of War.” They get way excited about pulling on something that we’re pulling back on. It’s a part of their naturally dogginess that they love these games and are able to keep their attention focused on them for a long time. When it’s natural and fun it’s easy to stay in the game.
Dont Stop
Time flies when you’re having fun. Our attention spans increase as our stress decreases. This is true for both you and your dog. The more fun you’re having, the more fun your dog will have. When you you are both having fun, there simply aren’t any losers. When nobody loses, your dog training sessions can increase and your dog will learn faster because he’s free from performance anxiety. Talk about win-win!
Whole Dog Journal
The Whole Dog Journal this month published two articles on positive dog training and having fun with dogs. Their focus wasn’t on motivation, but staying positive, having fun, and enjoying each other. I support that position 100% and they support interactive dog toys as a way to accomplish the goals of non-stress interaction and learning.
No Rotten Eggs
It’s simply impossible to play and not have fun, and that’s what interactive dog toys and dog tug toys are all about. Playing + Learning = Fun. Your dog thinks he’s playing a game while you’re training him. The added benefits are that his attention span will increase, stress will decrease for both of you and everybody wants the chance to come back and play again tomorrow. This is one game where everybody goes home a winner!