Naughty dogs are our favorites

Dogs show you how smart they are by getting into trouble. The smarter the dog, the more trouble. We always look for the naughtiest puppy in the litter. That's the one.

Dogs always do the thing that's most rewarding to them. If they want something, they figure out how to get it. Whether that's the tasty-looking mail left on the table or the chicken thawing on the counter, smart dogs find a way.

Entertaining family stories are peppered with the naughty dog’s exploits. But that's the only up side to the losses of shoes, meals, and the check that was in the mail.

Channel that energy

Instead of ruefully cataloging your dog woes, you could be building a portfolio of fun tricks and viral social media videos.

Dogs, like children, need something to do so they stay out of trouble. For reasons we'll never understand, “training” has the same negative connotations as “school.” It shouldn't ever be a chore, or boring, or a necessary evil. Training should be the most fun, fast, and loud five minutes of your day.

And five minutes is all it takes. You’d be amazed how much can get done in that time.

Easy, fast, and fun

We’re challenging everyone to play one little training game this week. The “Target” game is one of the fastest to learn and everybody, dogs and people alike, love playing it.

All you need is a round plastic lid. Grab one out of your recycling bin. Put it on the floor. When your dog touches it with their nose, drop a treat on it. Dogs naturally check out anything new in their environment, so that initial touch is almost guaranteed.

That's all there is to the game. The dog touches the Target, they get a treat. Say “Good Target!” so they learn the word. 

Be careful! Don’t leave the target down when you’re done. It will break your game if your dog touches the target, expecting a treat, and doesn’t get one. 

All “training” is a bargain we make with our dogs. They get what they want when we get what we want. As you delve into training games, you’ll find that both your wants and your dog’s will become more closely aligned. It’s a path to an even better, closer, stronger bond with your dog.

Variations on a theme

Every time your dog touches the Target they get a treat. Once they understand that, you can move it around. You can send them to it from far away. You can hold it in your hand. You can have multiple targets in a circle. The possibilities are endless.

See how your dog changes just by learning one silly little training game. Dogs love having a purpose and spending time with you. Don’t call it “training,” even in your own mind. Consider it time to play with your dog. We promise that when your dog sees you reaching for that plastic lid, they'll start doing that adorable happy dog dance. Which will make you smile, too.