A Fun Game that could Save Your Dog’s Life!

You never know what your dog might find on a walk and if you like to walk with your dogs off leash, there’s always a chance that they’ll pick up something that could be harmful to them. To combat this danger, I play a great game with my dogs when we’re out and about to ensure that if they do find something they shouldn’t eat or swallow, I’ve rehearsed a positive outcome with them.

Whenever I am out walking with my dogs, I look for opportunities to reward them bringing me objects. I have sporting breed dogs, which means they LOVE to pick up anything they can, usually it’s sticks. When they find such treasure, I will call them to me, take the stick, reward them with a high-value piece of food and then…. I give the stick right back to them (assuming I feel it’s safe to do so)! It’s an absolute win-win situation for the dog and it sets them up for quick relinquishment of potentially dangerous items.

I’ve had countless items brought to me using this game. Some are safe, while others are things I wouldn’t want my dogs ingesting including a Rabies packet from the airdrop campaign in Ontario and several animal carcasses <<shudder>>.

It’s an easy game to teach and most dogs catch on VERY quickly since it is highly reinforcing. If you have not already taught your dog an “out” cue, you can learn how to do so here. Once your dog…