How to Train Your Rescue Dog to Play

Home
Dog Training
How to Train Your Rescue Dog to Play

Easy

1-3 Weeks

Fun

Free Dog Walk * Free Dog Walk *

Introduction

He’s been nothing but cute and adorable since you got him. You’re not sure about his past but you’ve got enough love for your rescue dog to make up for anything. While he is getting more relaxed and comfortable around you, he’s still got quite a way to go. You take out toys to try and encourage him to play around with you, but he remains timid and shy. He’s not interested in tug of war, or fetch. It’s the same when you’re on walks. You try and throw balls and frisbees but he just looks up at you, puzzled.

You’re not quite sure what to do, but you know training him to play at the very least will be good exercise. Not only is it a fantastic way to blow off steam, but it will also be a great bonding experience.

Defining Tasks

The good news is, bringing the playful side out of your dog out will just take time and perseverance. You need to gradually let his walls come down by motivating him with tasty treats and irresistible toys. If you can make him feel safe and play games where he feels in control, you’ll soon have him tumbling around with you. If he’s a puppy it will be easiest. He’ll be full of energy, more trusting and keen to learn. You could see results in just several days. If he’s older and more nervous then you may need to invest two or three weeks into training.

Succeed with this training and you’ll have a great way to keep him happy and jolly. You’ll also be able to give him a decent amount of exercise, that sees him dozing at your feet in the evenings.

Getting Started

Before you get to work you’ll need to gather a few bits. You’ll need a decent array of toys. You’ll need tennis balls, a football, frisbees, and some food puzzles. The brighter colored and more enticing they look the better. You’ll also need a generous supply of tasty treats.

Try and find 10 minutes each day to commit to training. Some training can be done on your daily walk, and some can be done in a quiet space at home, away from valuable TVs that might get broken.

Once you’ve got all that, you’re ready to get to work!

The Gentle Encouragement Method

Most Recommended

1 Vote

Step

Food puzzles

Before you can train him to play properly, you need to get him familiar with toys in his own space. That means giving him a toy for him to play around without you getting involved. A food puzzle is a great first toy. He can play with it on his own and he’ll be entertained for hours.

Step

Toys in his bed

Now leave a couple of toys in his bed in the evenings. You want him to feel like they belong to him. Plus, if they smell like him they’ll feel even more like part of his territory. This will all make him feel more comfortable when it comes to playing with them.

Step

Tug of war

Now spend a few minutes a day gently playing with the toys. Encourage him to put it one his mouth and then pull on it. A game of tug of war is a great bonding experience. Make sure you always let him win, though. If he loses he’ll quickly give up trying.

Step

Reward

Reward him with treats throughout play. You need to make him feel as relaxed and happy as possible. If he thinks he’ll get a tasty reward for playing, he’ll soon be jumping out of his bed in search of a playmate.

Step

Keep it fun

Always keep it light hearted. That means talking in a high pitched and animated voice. It means stroking him, cuddling him and letting him be in charge when you play. If you do this each day he’ll feel more and more at ease, and increasingly eager to play.

The Management Method

Effective

1 Vote

Step

Choose accordingly

If he’s nervous and shy, you need to find a game that he wants to play. You can skip half the battle if you find a game that his breed may naturally enjoy playing anyway. Retrievers, for example, will naturally enjoy playing fetch. Terriers would be good candidates for tug of war.

Step

Toy appeal

To get him initially interested in the toys, put a bit of food on them. Spreading a little bit of peanut butter will do the trick. He’ll then be drawn to it anyway and associate toys with tasty rewards.

Step

Get involved

Wait for him to feel comfortable with the toys himself, then slowly get involved yourself. You can roll a ball towards him, or shake a toy in front of him. Just make sure it’s on his terms. Eventually he’ll relax and get involved, just be patient.

Step

Frisbee

Most dogs will love chasing brightly colored frisbees. So, when you’re out on a walk, wipe some food on it and then dangle it in front of his face. Really get him excited and worked up, then throw it while he’s watching. If he doesn’t show initial interest, charge after it with him. If he sees you running, he’ll quickly take flight himself.

Step

Short stints

Only play for a few minutes each day to start with. You want play time to be something he looks forward to, so don’t over indulge him. Then as the days pass you can play for longer and longer. Once he’s totally relaxed you can leave the toys out for him to pick them up whenever he wants.

The Soccer Method

Least Recommended

1 Vote

Step

Head outside

Take him outside into the yard or to a local field. Make sure you have a soccer under your arm and a pocket full of treats. Soccer is a great game to get him playing. He has the space to run around which will make him feel safe, plus the pressure isn’t all on him.

Step

Kick it in his direction

Kick the ball gently towards him. If he doesn’t naturally touch it, encourage him to. You can do that by running towards it, pointing at it and talking in an animated voice. Dogs mirror their owner's behavior so if he sees you excited he’ll soon feel the same way.

Step

Reward

As soon as he touches the ball, give him a tasty treat and shower him in attention. Really make him feel on top of the world. The greater the reward, the more eager he’ll be to play again.

Step

Practice

Always keep it light hearted and play around for a few minutes each day to start with. Once he’s got the hang of it and he’s enjoying it, you can play for longer and longer. Not only will it be great exercise, but he’ll be having a fantastic time with his owner.

Step

Lose the treats

When he’s comfortable and happy playing, you can slowly cut out the treats. He no longer needs a tasty incentive, he’s excited enough just playing around with you. Once he’s comfortable with soccer, you’ll find he’ll be keen to play with any toy, especially if it’s a ball!

Success Stories and Training Questions

Training Questions and Answers

Question

Fluffers

Pomer

3 Years

0 found helpful

Question

0 found helpful

Fluffers

Pomer

3 Years

I just brought my new dog home. Her previous person rehomed her but I don’t know why. I have no idea what her previous life was like other than I almost think she was carried everywhere and probably kept her in her lap most of the time. She has been here for 2 days and has no idea how to walk on a leash, I have one step outside and she absolutely will not go up it. She had no idea what her name was. And if she isn’t sitting in a chair with someone she just goes in circles all over the house. Around the table, the couch just circles. When I take her outside she just makes circles. I don’t think she even knows how to jump....i have had many dogs and I have never seen anything like it. Also, other than when she is sleeping she just pants like she can’t relax. Is this just because she needs to adjust to her new home?

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Fluffers's Owner

Caitlin Crittenden

Dog Trainer

466 Dog owners recommended

Hello Aimee, Adjusting could be part of it but there is probably something bigger going on, like possibly her up bringing or obsessive compulsive behavior. I suggest teaching her a Place command and working up to her being able to stay on Place for up to an hour gradually. Place should help with the anxiety, self-control, and building more healthy independence - she will probably pant or whine a lot at first while practicing place, that's normal while she is learning to be more independent at first since being self-controlled and still without you will be challenging at first. Practice other structured activities to build her confidence and teach calmness also. With this type of behavior you want to stimulate her mind, work on self-control and independence, and not feel sorry for her and overly sooth. Instead, act confident and happy, and expect that she can learn some new things with your help. For the leash walking, check out the article linked below to get her used to the pressure of a leash first - work on this before you attempt a formal heel or other leash work. Heel will come next, after she is comfortable with the leash. https://wagwalking.com/training/train-your-puppy-to-accept-leash Place: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omg5DVPWIWo Other good, confidence building, calming things to work with her on: Heel article - The turns method: https://wagwalking.com/training/train-a-poodle-to-heel Out command: https://www.petful.com/behaviors/how-to-teach-a-dog-the-out-command/ Crate manners: https://thegooddog.net/training-videos/free-how-to-training-videos/learn-to-train-the-good-dog-way-the-crate/ Confidence building agility fun - you can make your own obstacles out of household things or PVC pipe, or purchase. Practicing any type of safe jumps, tunnels, odd surfaces, duration work, or overcoming new obstacles in general can help a nervous dog. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elvtxiDW6g0 Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

1 month, 3 weeks ago

Add a comment to Fluffers's experience

Was this experience helpful?