The goal of this game is to help teach the dog that they don’t get paid for every behavior, while also teaching you, the human, not to pay for every behavior, which helps with fading the treats and asking the dog for more.
I’ve actually said to people, “Don’t you dare complain about that dog when you’re not meeting his/her needs.”
By taking the time to meet your dog’s needs, your dog is more likely to be relaxed and well-behaved. Dogs are meant to move their bodies, use their noses, use their brains, and be active. They are not meant to sit in kennels all day, be relegated to the yard, or only interacted with when a person feels like it. I’ve actually said to people, “Don’t you dare complain about that dog when you’re not meeting his/her needs.”
There are plenty of fun and safe options to ensure your dog is getting mental stimulation, exercise, and a healthy dose of novelty. It is up to you to provide this – dogs often will not self-exercise, they certainly don’t self-train, and they can easily get bored. Here are a few ways to help ward of canine boredom.