Off-switch games with Dobby

Dobby's learning to calm himself down after he gets excited. Off-switch games (playing with arousal levels) can help a dog learn self control in any exciting situation (visitors at the door, playing with other dogs, etc). By practicing the pattern of get excited - calm down - get excited - calm down, the dog learns to calm themself.

When we first started playing this sort of game, Dobby wouldn't eat in the presence of toys because he much prefers play to treats. I began by teaching him that offering to lick a treat would get me to start a tug game. We also worked on leave it and other general impulse control skills. All of these, as well as mat work, were important foundation behaviors before we could get to the point seen in this video.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Off
• switch
• games
• with
• Dobby

[watchmoivies123]

Hi!, can I ask why you tug with him?

Thanks

Kim

[appaloosatb]

@watchmoivies123 Hi Kim, tug is a great reinforcer for many dogs. In Dobby's case, he prefers play to food, so it's a great reward for him. It's also a great way to teach a dog self control and how to think in drive.

[watchmoivies123]

Thanks for getting back.

My guy would get a little over the top.

Do you worry about this with Dobby?

Kim