How to Teach a Dog to Play With Toys

In addition to being your best friend and a loyal companion, teach your dog to be a good playmate. Train your dog to obey basic commands, play a game of fetch, or even to catch a Frisbee. The most powerful tool for shaping your dog's behavior is to react positively when it performs the way you want it to. If a passive pooch is not what you have in mind, offer your dog an assortment of toys and your undivided attention during one-on-one play time.





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Things You'll Need

  • Pet toys
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce your dog to a specific toy that you want him to play with by shaking it near him and throwing it just out of his reach.

    • 2
      Introduce a new toy and give a command that means it's time to play.

      Associate a command with the activity like "play" or "toys." Use the command each time a new toy is introduced to encourage play.

    • 3
      Pack a variety of treats for training sessions.

      Reward your dog immediately once it plays with the toy the way that you would like. If your dog tugs a rope when you offer it or fetches a ball when you toss it, follow the action immediately with a treat like a piece of food or a carrot or positive reinforcement such as "good dog" with a pat on the head.

    • 4

      Show positive excitement throughout training sessions to keep your dog interested. If play time is fun your dog will stay engaged. If you sit on a bench and watch your dog walk around, chances are he will be lazy, too.

    • 5
      If you are frustrated with teaching, your dog might be frustrated learning.

      Ignore negative behavior. Yelling "bad dog" or pushing him toward a toy that the dog's not interested in playing with could be mistaken for positive reinforcement. Introduce a different toy or take a break from play time and try again later instead of getting angry.

    • 6
      A reward is due after a successful fetch.

      Continue to shape your dog's behavior by gradually setting higher expectations. For example, initially reward your dog for carrying a Frisbee in its mouth. Eventually it will carry the Frisbee without reward. Reward your dog when it brings the Frisbee to you. Once it masters bringing it to you, hold the reward until it catches the Frisbee when it is thrown.

    • 7
      Spend special play time with your pooch.

      Play with your dog and his toys regularly at a weekly play date at the doggy park or when you get home from work. Keep play time special time.