This game uses a ‘fake hedge’ – you could improvise with a log, or pile of sticks, or a pile of books – don’t make the ‘hedge’ too high, about 40cm is ample for mid-sized dogs.
This game encourages your dog to use their brain and nose to ‘hunt’ out the toy, mimicking real hunting and making it a little more challenging than just retrieving the ball.
How to train it:
Step 1: On your marks…
Hold your dog while you throw the toy over the ‘hedge’ out of sight. Stand close to the hedge to encourage your dog to jump over, but don’t force them (if they prefer running around that’s fine too!)
If your dog isn’t keen on jumping, then don’t force them, hiding the toy behind the hedge and letting them run around and sniff it out is also a fun game, choose the right option for your dog and their needs.
This game encourages them to use their nose and brain to hunt out the toy.
Step 2: Get set, go!
Once the toy has landed, release your dog to go find it. Let them go sniff around and find the toy.
Step 3: Go the extra mile
Once your dog is confidently jumping over the hedge (or going around depending on what is right for your dog), start increasing the distance between you and the hedge so your dog has to travel further to go to the hedge.
