Reactive Dog Training Games You Need to Try

As dog owners, it can be a challenging task to deal with a reactive dog. If your furry friend reacts to certain stimuli, such as loud noises or other dogs, it can be tough to keep them calm and focused. However, there are many reactive dog training games that you can try to help your pup overcome their reactive behavior.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the best reactive dog training games that can help your dog remain calm and focused in potentially triggering situations. We will provide detailed instructions for each game, along with helpful tips and tricks to make the most out of each activity.

4 Games for Reactive Dogs

1- Sniffing Out Treats Game

The Sniffing Out Treats game is a great way to stimulate your dog’s sense of smell while providing them with a mental challenge. For this game, you will need to hide treats around your home or yard and encourage your dog to find them.

To start, show your dog the treats and let them sniff them. Then, place the treats in various locations and encourage your dog to search for them. As your dog becomes more skilled at finding the treats, you can increase the difficulty by hiding them in more challenging spots.

1. Show your dog the treats and let them sniff them.
2. Place the treats in various locations around your home or yard.
3. Encourage your dog to search for the treats.
4. Once your dog has found a treat, reward them with praise and a treat.
5. Gradually increase the difficulty by hiding the treats in more challenging spots.
6. Repeat the game regularly to keep your dog’s sense of smell sharp and their mind engaged.

2- Tug of War Game

Tug of War is a classic game that can help your dog release their pent-up energy while strengthening their bond with you. For this game, you will need a tug toy and some open space.

To start, show your dog the tug toy and let them grab onto it. Then, start gently tugging back and forth with your dog, making sure to let them win occasionally to keep the game fun. Remember to always supervise your dog while playing Tug of War and avoid playing this game if your dog has aggressive tendencies.

1. Choose a sturdy rope or toy that is specifically designed for tug of war.
2. Get your dog excited by waving the toy in front of them and letting them sniff it.
3. Give your dog a clear signal or cue that it’s time to play, such as saying “let’s play tug!”
4. Hold onto one end of the rope or toy while your dog grabs onto the other end.
5. Pull back and forth gently, allowing your dog to put some effort into pulling on the rope as well.
6. Remember to release the toy periodically so that your dog doesn’t become too fixated on winning the game.
7. Once the game is over, take the toy away and give your dog plenty of praise and affection.
8. Avoid playing tug of war with your dog if they have any dental issues or if they have a history of aggressive behavior.

3- Hide and Seek Game

Hide and Seek is a great game that can help your dog learn to focus and remain calm while you are out of sight. For this game, you will need a handful of treats and a hiding spot.

To start, show your dog the treats and let them sniff them. Then, ask your dog to sit and stay while you go hide. Once you are hidden, call out to your dog and encourage them to come find you. When your dog finds you, reward them with a treat.

1. Start by getting your dog excited and energized with some play or exercise.
2. Choose a hiding spot and encourage your dog to stay in one place while you hide.
3. Once you’re hidden, call out to your dog in an excited voice.
4. When your dog finds you, reward them with treats, praise, and plenty of affection.
5. As your dog gets better at the game, you can hide in more challenging spots or use toys or treats to help guide them to your hiding spot.
6. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog so they have to use their sense of smell to find you.
7. Repeat the game regularly to keep your dog’s mind engaged and their sense of smell sharp.
8. Make sure to always supervise your dog during the game and avoid hiding in areas where they could get hurt or lost

4- Puzzle Toys

Puzzle toys are an excellent way to provide your dog with mental stimulation while helping them remain calm. These toys come in various shapes and sizes, and they are designed to challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills.

To start, fill the puzzle toy with treats and let your dog try to figure out how to get to them. As your dog becomes more skilled at solving the puzzle, you can increase the difficulty by changing the configuration or adding more treats.

Buy our favorite dog puzzle from Amazon

In conclusion, playing reactive dog training games with your furry friend can be a fun and effective way to help them overcome their reactive behavior.

Always supervise your dog while playing games and avoid playing any games that may trigger aggressive behavior. With patience and practice, your pup will become more relaxed and confident in potentially triggering situations.

Also Read:

• 5 Dog Interactive Feeding Toys
• 9 Best Dog Toys

If you loved this article, you will also love reading our eBook Dubai Ruff Guide

For more furry destinations, the latest blogs, events, and providers you can stay updated by following us on Instagram and signing up for our newsletters.