Two Toys are Better than One...and here's why.

Here's a fun game I learned from Susan at A Good Dog's Life. It's called the "Two Toy Game." Well, that's what I call it. I've found it to be really useful for getting Rico engaged and focused on what we are doing together. Even Lucy likes this game, and Lucy is fundamentally opposed to fun in all its forms.

When Rico is having fun with me, it makes him want to keep having fun when we get down to learning the agility tricks. Not only that, if you are consistently the fun machine, then your pup will learn to look to you for the magic, rather that to seek it from outside sources, like squirrels. And McDonald's wrappers lying on the ground. And clumps of freshly mown grass.

The game is simple.

Take two identical toys. Identical. Buy them both at the same time so your dog doesn't get all googly-eyed about one because it smells better than the other. Whip out one toy and start to tease and play with your pup. When he or she is engaged, tugging, trying to take it away, release that toy (the dog wins the prize), then whip out the second identical toy. Guaranteed your dog will drop the first toy and lunge for the second. Play play play, then let the dog win the toy, and quick, whip out the first toy. Keep going like that, and be sure to stop while pooch is still having fun and wanting more.

Enjoy yourself and your dog. This can be a great, mentally stimulating game to play indoors during these cold days. Lucy likes the organic, non-toxic reindeer in the picture. You can find them at my website, www.luckydogdelivers.com.