Go Wild & Freeze - A fun way to train a dog to have impulse control

http://ptfordogs.blogspot.com/
http://www.pamsdogacademy.com
This is a game that allows a dog to "Go Wild" run, play, bounce around playing with his humans and then when his humans stop and say "Freeze" the dog learns to sit and be calm waiting for the cue "Go Wild" again.

This game was created by a trainer, September Morn of Sheldon, Washington.

I usually use this game with families that have kids and I teach the kids how to play with their dog and then how to get their dog to calm down for a bit before playing again.

Tips:
1. You could give a food reward for when the dog sits in the beginning when first starting to play the game, but eventually being allowed to play again is the reward.
2. You can add on to the game by incorporating basic cues after the word "Freeze" has been said. This is a great time to practice (sit, down, stand, stay or even tricks) and then release them to "Go Wild" or just use his release word and reward with play. Playing with you, which will make your relationship stronger. Like I said, I usually play this with kids and dogs, so they really like the "go wild" cue, but it is your choice.
3. You can play the game with multiple dogs once they have learned the game individually. Always set your dogs up for success. If they both have played by themselves with you, it will be easier to transfer that learning when you play with them together.
4. You can play with multiple family members or friends. Remember that when "freeze" has been said, the person closest to the dog must ask the dog to sit.
5. Sometimes the dog will start anticipating that after the word "freeze" has been said and they will sit automatically. I do not see anything wrong with this as this shows you that your dog is SMART and understands what he is supposed to do. Hey, now you have two words that mean sit. HEHE! Sit & Freeze.
6. Set your dog up for success and start with a leash on him and just let him drag it. If your dog tends to zoom off and now it becomes a chase game, put a longer leash on your dog, so he can't make that mistake. Remember that if your dog does zoom off, to gently bring him back to you with the leash. You do not need to yell, scream, yank the leash, don't say NO, or make noises. CALMLY get your dog and bring him back. Remember you are working on building that relationship with your dog.
7. Once your dog understands the game and likes the game, I am sure you can take off the leash.
8. If you are in a dangerous environment or a place where the dog must be leashed, DO NOT PLAY THIS GAME!
9. Slowly add distractions and play in different environments if you can.
10. HAVE FUN! After all having FUN with our dogs is what it is all about! :)

Happy New Year!

Pam, Isabelle, Bandit & Sabrina

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[EchoNratty]

Great video & an awesome game :)...I've played a variation of it with Echo back when we first started agility, but used a down instead of a sit...which do you think works better?

[pamelamarxsen]

I really think that it is up to you. You can actually play the game with many different variations if you read all the lovely comments. However, if your dog is really hyper a down might work better, but really it does not matter.  The choice is yours. Thank you for your comment! Have a great New Year!

[nickelsmum]

This game was created by trainer September Morn, of Shelton, Washington.

[pamelamarxsen]

Thank you so much! Do you know if she has a youtube site? I will give her props in the video and on the description. THANK YOU!

[nickelsmum]

Pam, I don't know - she doesn't strike me as the video type. She had a website at one time but I think it is down. We may have a site for a published description of the game, but I can't find it yet... will post it if it is found. September is also the behavior/training columnist for Dog Fancy Magazine and writes a lot about training in the specific breed issues.

[pamelamarxsen]

Thank you so much! I already posted what you sent me and will add that about the Dog Fancy Magazine tomorrow. I am beat and need to get some sleep! Thanks again!

[kidowmer]

This is very interesting training...my dogs are pretty excitable..& this will probably do them good! Thanks for sharing...

[supernaturalbc2009]

This is a fun idea. I am wondering if you have any ideas for reinforcing stay (sit stay or down stay) in a similar game approach.

[JakeVomRivergreen]

GREAT GAME! I'm going to try this with Jake.

[dalyamou123]

this is a really cool game. its soooo funny when bandit wanted to play with his toys. lol

[celinha1953]

awesome game!!! 5*

[KRachei]

Looks like a game my four min pins would love to play! Thank you!