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The Counting Game for puppies
Members only
This resource is a special perk for our members. To join us, first is to book one of our services. If you’re already a member, log in to enjoy full access.
The Counting Game is a super clever way to encourage your puppy to leave things while you are still working on training your solid “leave it” cue. By making YOU the most interesting thing in the room with tasty treats, this game helps manage typical puppy behaviour in a positive way. It turns a potential “uh-oh!” moment into a brilliant choice from your pup!
With practice this will help you achieve:
- Reduced thieving of shoes and socks
- A puppy that doesn’t run off with forbidden items
- Eventually being able to remove gates and pens to open up their space once they are more reliable around different objects
What you'll need
- Some seriously yummy high-value treats (think cheese or little bits of chicken!)
- A tempting item your puppy loves (like a shoe or a favourite toy)
- A quiet spot to play where you won’t be interrupted
Step-by-step
- Place the temptation: Pop the distracting item (something safe like a shoe or a new toy) on the floor nearby. Now for the tricky part… completely ignore your puppy and the item!
- Start the Counting Game: Grab your tasty treats and quietly start counting them out as you place them on the floor, away from your pup and the temptation item. Something like, “One… two… three…”
- They’re moving! What now?: If your puppy leaves the shoe to see what you’re up to, that’s brilliant! Just move away a little and keep the counting game going. The fun continues when they’re with you!
- Reward the good choice: The aim is for your pup to realise that ignoring the shoe and focusing on you is way more fun and rewarding. Keep counting and treating them for making that great choice.
- End on a high: After a minute or two of success, scatter a few final treats away from the shoe, and while they’re busy gobbling them up, calmly pick up the item without them noticing.
- Use management: Keeping things you don’t want your puppy to pick up out of reach and in cupboards for now while they are still young to keep them safe.
Top tips for success
- Your treats have to be top-tier, way more exciting than that stinky shoe!
- Keep your game sessions short, sweet, and super positive.
- The goal is to make ignoring things so rewarding that it becomes your puppy’s own brilliant idea!
- Manage the spaces your puppy will be spending their time in for success while they are still learning.
Members only
This resource is a special perk for our members. To join us, first is to book one of our services. If you’re already a member, log in to enjoy full access.
Is your puppy a little thief?
It can feel like a constant battle when your puppy wants to chew everything in sight! If you're tired of rescuing your shoes and want to teach a reliable "leave it," I'm here to help. A fun, personalised One-to-One session can turn those cheeky moments into training wins.
