Here's a video example of play with Brito. It's a nice video to show to kids who have read the book, Blogger Dog, Brito! Yes, he's a real dog! Yes, he has a personality! And yes, mom really does play with him!
In this video, I am playing with food, toys and just myself. I am throwing training into the mix as well, because my long term goal with training is always to make it as blended with play as possible.
Incorporating Play Into Dog Training Classes
If you incorporate play into your training classes, start small. For homework, encourage your student to find one form of personal play that the dog enjoys (belly rub? Chasing your hand?), one form of toy play that works (tug of war? fetch? Chew toy while mom cheers you on?) and one form of food play (toss the treat? Chase the mommy with the treat? Jump for the treat?).
If you need more play ideas, look for the book, Dog Sports Skills: Play! written by Denise Fenzi and Deb Jones.
After a few weeks, ask your students how they're doing with their play. I bet they smile when they talk about it.
And people who smile when they talk about their dogs love their dogs more and treat them better. That's what I want to see!
Denise Fenzi has titled dogs in obedience (AKC and UKC), tracking (AKC and schutzhund), schutzhund (USA), mondioring (MRSA), herding (AKC), conformation (AKC), and agility (AKC). She has two AKC obedience champions, perfect scores in both schutzhund and Mondio ringsport obedience, and is well known for her flashy and precise obedience work.
While a successful competitor, Denise's real passion lies in training dogs and solving the problems that her own dogs and her student’s dogs present. She is a recognized expert in developing drive, motivation, and focus in competition dogs, and is known internationally as an engaging speaker and an expert in no force training for sport dogs. She has consistently demonstrated the ability to train and compete with dogs using motivational methods in sports where compulsion is the norm.
In addition to training and speaking, Denise is a prolific writer. You can find her at www.denisefenzi.com where she maintains an active blog on all things related to dog training. She is also an active writer on facebook; follow her there to learn more about her range of interests in addition to dog training. Denise and Deb Jones have recently finished a four book series, "Dog Sports Skills" which has recieved widespread acclain in the dog sports community. In addition, she has written additional books on her own, including "Train the Dog in Front of You", "Beyond the Back Yard; Train Your Dog to Listen Anytime, Anywhere!" and, for the younger audience, "Blogger Dog, Brito!" Several of these books have won Maxwell awards for Best Training and Behavior book from the Dog Writers of America.
Denise thoughtfully and persistently works to break down the barriers that prevent people from obtaining a truly interactive and mutually enjoyable sport relationship with their dogs. Fenzi Academy is the culmination of her efforts as a forward step in providing progressive information to any trainer who wishes to learn.
Author's recent posts
Play with Dogs: Play for Everyone!
October 27, 2020- August 31, 2020
