Teach your dog toy names
Teach your dog to bring a toy by its name, then pick it out of a pile: a brain game you can reward with play instead of food.
What you need
- Your pet's favorite toy
- Small treats — optional
How to do it
- Pick one toy your dog loves. Give it a name and always use the same one, for example "Get your rope!"
- Ask for it by name and reward your dog for bringing it to you with praise and a quick game with the toy.
- Put the toy on the floor next to something that isn't a dog toy, such as a book or a water bottle, and ask for it by name.
- Then put it next to a toy your dog likes less. Reward only when they pick the right one.
- When your dog gets it right every time, teach a second toy the same way, then ask for each one by name when they lie together.
⚠️ Safety
Supervision: Watch the first few times.
Use toys that are safe for your dog's size. AKC suggests play with the toy as the reward for dogs who love toys; if your dog works better for food, use small treats and count them in the day's food.
👀 What to watch for
If your dog picks the wrong toy, go back to the last step they got right for a few sessions before making it harder again.
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