Ask Pawfun’s Holistic Dog Trainer: How can I teach my 2 year-old dog to play?

By Anna Bettina Johnson

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A Pawfun Blog reader writes: I just got a 2 year-old female Shih Tzu, and she does not know how to play. She was kept in a crate for many hours a day with her previous owner.

How can I get a close bond with her so that we can play together.

Holistic animal trainer Anna Bettina Johnson of Happy Healthy Pup says: How wonderful that you were able to rescue her and give her a chance to learn and grow! It’s not uncommon to see dogs from rescue situations that do not know how to play. It’s also important to keep in mind that not all dogs like to play.

Training to Bond
A great way to build a bond and better understand your new companion is to enroll in a positive manners class. Your instructor will help you communicate with her and you’ll be able to learn more about her personality and what motivates her. You’ll also give her some positive world experiences and a chance to see/meet other people and dogs.

Toys = Good Things
If you find that she is motivated by food, you can start pairing food with the objects that you would like her to find enjoyable, like toys.

Start slow, place a toy out in the open, every time she approaches the toy, praise and treat her. After a while, she will be happily approaching the toy to earn the praise and reward. When she starts to happily approach, take it to the next level.

Now, offer praise and a treat when she nudges/mouths/paws the object. Offer praise and treats every time she does this. The next step would be to interact with her and the toy. You can still offer praise and treats, as she becomes more engaged with you, you can wean her off the treats, offering them randomly for the interaction.

I think you will find as you spend more time together and have a chance to interact that she will open up more and you will get a chance to see her playful side!