That is so right, it becomes a game, which will make it harder to unteach.
I have never had a dog so quick to learn, nor so eager for a game, as my poodle.
Mine likes the keep-away game so much that we do play it, but we only play when *I* say we play. The code phrases are "I'm gonna GET you" or "GIVE me that". The first means now I'm going to chase you, and I won't chase you at any other time. The second means it's time to play keep-away with the toy in your mouth, and we ONLY play this game with low-value toys, never with something that I really want back from him.
Anyway, my point it, you CAN still play "bad" games with your poodle, just play them on your terms.
|