Search game in the garden

It can be sooo simple. Of course, it is a challenge at first when the usual walks have to be shortened or perhaps even cancelled altogether. But with a garden of their own, the time of restriction can be bridged well for most dogs.

Material: treat pouch for the belt, treats from DOGSTYLER®.

Empty flower pots (made of clay, all sizes possible), alternatively or additionally buckets, sturdy cups if necessary.

To start with, take three containers and place them in the garden with the opening facing upwards, one metre apart. Place a treat in one of the containers.

Mark a starting line, e.g. with a rope or whatever you have available, at a maximum distance of one metre.

Now the dog joins you. You go to the starting line. The dog gets the command "Sit". Get the dog's attention, because something really exciting is about to happen.

Step 1 - For beginners

Now the command "Go" (or another command) follows. So that the dog understands what it is all about, first walk together to the containers and encourage the dog to look inside. Once the dog has found the treat, you walk together back to the starting line.

The dog must now wait here (be patient, just keep leading the dog back to the starting line if it doesn't work yet). Put the treat in another container, out of sight of the dog (just bend down several times). The game starts again.

Step 2 - For advanced beginners

Turn the pots upside down and place a treat under a container. Caution. Sensitive dogs can get upset when the container falls over. You should react quickly. As soon as the dog indicates where the treat is, turn the container over and let him take the treat. Now move the containers further apart so that the dog has to walk more.

Tip: Clay flower pots are particularly suitable for this game.

Step 3 - The advanced

Now add more containers. These can be buckets, but also smaller cups. Stick to one treat per search. Alternatively, more robust dogs can get the idea of knocking everything over first. With very impetuous dogs, it is advisable to put them on a leash first. Let them search, but stop them from knocking things over with a calm "no". Wait a moment until the dog's attention is with you and then pick up the container. As soon as the dog understands this, he may search freely.

Variation: This game is also suitable for the home. In a modified form, you can place the containers in different rooms.

TIPS!

Important: The game has a beginning and an end. To make sure the dog understands this, it is a good idea to play a game at the end that is different from the search. This can be the flying ball. Also possible: Throw a few particularly desirable morsels generously distributed on the lawn, e.g. strips of rumen cut into small pieces.

Please put all containers away at the end of the game. So that the dog knows that the game is over.

Also: Subtract the treat ration from the food portion or take DOGSTYLER® treats that are healthy and contain few calories.

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