Foundations of play
I consider the use of play to be a ‘lab’ in which we can recreate the problem behaviours you’re dealing with, without the fear, conflict or anxiety that can be produced when we expose dogs to the ‘real’ triggers that worry them.
This basic video helps you to understand how to shape play, and mess around with arousal.
Some major points:
You’ll need two of the same toy to get started.
Toys should move erratically and sharply like a prey creature
Make sure your dog is moving towards you, rather than evading you in play. You might need to use a leash in the beginning to prevent a game of keepings off.
Modulating arousal is essential, make sure your play ebbs and flows with the energy levels. Help your dog to practice coming in and out of arousal.
Allowing your dog to practice coming in and out of arousal transfers into the real world, when exposed to triggers.
Once your play game is strong, start to add more rules and nuance. Having two balls and teaching your dog a cue to take a new ball (I say ‘yes’), and ditch the old ball, makes them more flexible in their thinking, especially under arousal.
Teaching your dog to ‘out’ an object without wrestling or intimidation creates a joyful behaviour, so always use two toys to teach it.
Playing around with focus, and reward placement enhances flexibility. I have a cue for Nara to look at the ball (look), and then take the external ball (‘get it’). I also have a cue for her to look at me (‘watch’), and take the ball I have (‘yes’). I can play with these 4 parameters to get her very flexible and listening carefully about which ball to take. I would use a leash to start this game to prevent mistakes being rehearsed.
Creating arousal in play allows us to help them practice maintaining a position under fun stress!
Play not only builds your relationship and gets your dog exercised and fulfilled, it helps you to rehearse the very challenges that you come up against in the real world. Whether it’s chasing bikes, barking at other dogs, or struggling with excitement towards visitors, practicing managing arousal goes a long way to help dealing with these issues.
