"101 things to do with a box" - One of my dogs favorite games

by Tony
(NV, US)

Playing games with a dog is a great way to bond and exercise the dog's mind and body. One of my favorite dog games to play is "101 things to do with a box".

For this game you will need a clicker, high value treats, and a box. Clickers can be found at most pet stores for under $3. The treats used should be very small and very tasty.

The proper size treat for this game is about the size of two grains of rice, however you may use something larger as long as the dog can eat it quickly, preferably in less than two seconds.

The box can be anything from an old cardboard box to a plastic storage container, and can be as large or as small as you like.

To play, choose a behavior you want your dog to do with the box. Charge the clicker by clicking and then giving the dog a treat; repeat several times without making the dog do anything. You know the dog is ready to play when he looks for the treat at the sound of the click.





Next, place the box in front of the dog. Click and treat for interest in the box, then click as the dog starts to make steps towards the behavior you want.

For example, if you want the dog to place a paw on top of the box, click for looking at the box, then click for raising a paw, then click for extending a paw, and finally for pawing at the box.

Alternately, you could click and treat only for unique behaviors. For example, see how many different things you can get your dog to do in 10 minutes. Only click for a behavior once, and encourage the dog to experiment.

This is a great game for exercising your favorite dog's mind, and is a perfect indoor game during foul weather. Try it out for yourself and see just how inventive your dog really is.