Want an easy, fun way to boost your dog's skills, strengthen your bond, and lay the foundation for advanced training while having fun? Look no further than Vito's Thinking Game! I'm sharing how to play and why it has so much power. Whether you're a seasoned dog trainer or a first-time puppy or rescue dog owner, this game is perfect for dogs of all ages and skill levels.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- How Vito’s Game builds your dog’s focus and confidence.
- A step-by-step guide to playing Vito’s Game with your dog.
- The benefits of letting your dog make training decisions.
- Tips to adapt Vito’s Game to any dog’s personality.
- How Vito’s Game reduces the need for your constant intervention.
- Why Vito’s Game is perfect for every dog and trainer.
- How one easy game gives your dog multiple skills.
Resources:
- Podcast Episode 151: How Location Specific Reinforcement Markers Will Improve Your Dog Training!
- Podcast Episode 174: Dopamine In Dog Training: Anticipation, Rewards, And The Transfer Of Value
- YouTube Playlist: Dog Training Games with Susan Garrett
- Podcast Episode 276: What No One Tells You About The Best Place To Train Your Puppy Or Rescue Dog
- Podcast Episode 191: Get Your Dog To Calm Down With This Common Sense Protocol For Relaxation
- Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube
My AussieDoodle loves this, but he also gets really amped up by it (we have arousal issues in general), so I think the relaxation portion is going to be key. But I can’t get him to come anywhere near me, he just wants to play more. I’m guessing I need to stop sooner, but I’d love to hear your thoughts. He is touch aversive (unless he’s suuuper relaxed and it’s on his terms entirely).
I recently learnt this as Movement Puzzles which have slight variation but I think I enjoyed this way of doing it more.
My AmStaff mix foster dog loves this game! She caught on quickly and made very few “illegal” moves. Today, her second time at the game, she got herself turned around for awhile. Cutting across, at the wrong bowl, turning the wrong way and finally with a thoughtful, lingering sit from the bowl last eaten from, she righted herself and got a larger reward at the correct destination. A scream of a game — but I kept quiet. THANK YOU!
My 6-month-old pup loves the game, He
Yes so much fun! He caught on fast! He made correct choices and failed a few times. I must admit that when he made the right choice after failure I did tell him he was good but that was the extent of my verbal interaction with him. He also chose to stay with the game through distraction. So proud! I also admit I didn’t play the relaxation game after. I forgot. Will watch again before we play again to get that and other nuances down. Thanks for this game. Really shows the wheels turning in their brain.
Well done! Keep playing the game ❤️