Exercise & WELLNESS
Interactive & Fun Games
For Your Finnish Lapphund
Finnish Lapphunds are an intelligent, energetic breed that thrives on both mental and physical stimulation. As a breed originally developed for herding and working, these dogs possess a strong desire to engage in activities that challenge their minds and bodies. However, they also need structured training to help them meet their high energy needs and encourage positive behaviour. Here we'll discuss training through play and introduce some fun & stimulating games to keep your Finnish Lapphund active.
Incorporating positive reward-based training into engaging fun games can be a wonderful way to both bond with your Lapphund and stimulate their active minds. These fun activities strengthen the relationship between you and your dog while also reinforcing key skills like obedience, impulse control, and problem-solving.
In this wellness article, we’ll explore some fun training games that can be incorporated into your daily routine. These activities use principles of positive reinforcement - such as treats, praise, and toys - to create a rewarding and engaging experience for both you and your Finnish Lapphund.
FIND THE TREAT: A HIDE & SEEK
GAME FOR SCENTWORK
Finnish Lapphunds have a keen sense of smell, and their natural instincts can be engaged with a game of "Find the Treat." This simple yet effective game is great for mental stimulation and teaches your dog to use their nose to solve problems.
HOW TO PLAY:
Start by showing your Lapphund a treat (or a favorite toy).
While they watch, hide the treat under a cushion, behind a piece of furniture, or in a different room.
Use a verbal cue such as "Find it!" to encourage them to search.
When they successfully locate the treat, offer lots of praise and a small reward.
As your Lapphund becomes more adept at finding the treats, increase the difficulty by hiding the items in harder-to-reach places or under multiple layers of objects. You can even name each object and teach them to find specific items!
TRAINING BENEFIT:
This game teaches your Lapphund to focus and use their scenting abilities to solve problems, which is a natural behavior for the breed. It reinforces the connection between positive behavior (finding the treat) and rewards (treats, praise). It also increases your Lappy's vocabulary and encourages them to work past distractions and focus on the task you set for them.
HOW TO PLAY:
Start by showing your Lapphund a treat (or a favorite toy).
While they watch, hide the treat under a cushion, behind a piece of furniture, or in a different room.
Use a verbal cue such as "Find it!" to encourage them to search.
When they successfully locate the treat, offer lots of praise and a small reward.
As your Lapphund becomes more adept at finding the treats, increase the difficulty by hiding the items in harder-to-reach places or under multiple layers of objects. You can even name each object and teach them to find specific items!
TRAINING BENEFIT:
This game teaches your Lapphund to focus and use their scenting abilities to solve problems, which is a natural behavior for the breed. It reinforces the connection between positive behavior (finding the treat) and rewards (treats, praise). It also increases your Lappy's vocabulary and encourages them to work past distractions and focus on the task you set for them.
TUG OF WAR:
Building strength & control
Tug-of-war is a fantastic way to exercise your Lapphund, and it can also be used as an obedience-building game. It’s an excellent way to teach your dog impulse control and reinforce their obedience skills in a fun, interactive and dynamic setting.
HOW TO PLAY:
Use a strong tug toy or rope and get your Lapphund interested by waving it around to catch their attention.
Once they grab hold of the toy, give the command “Tug!” and let them pull.
Periodically stop the game by saying “Drop it” or “Give,” and immediately offer a treat when they release the toy. Praise them for following the command.
Once they release the toy, start the game again. Be sure to alternate between play and commands to reinforce impulse control.
TRAINING BENEFIT:
The game reinforces basic obedience commands like "drop it" or "leave it," which are essential for a well-behaved dog. It also helps build physical strength and provides a healthy outlet for their energy. The key is to keep the game fun but structured to encourage obedience during playtime.
INTERACTIVE FETCH: Adding
obedience & tricks to a classic game
Fetch is a beloved game, but it can be turned into a more engaging activity by incorporating training exercises into the mix. By adding commands like "sit," "stay," or "bring it," you can make this classic game a more mentally stimulating experience.
HOW TO PLAY:
Start by having your Lapphund sit or stay in place while you throw the ball.
Use a release command like "Go fetch!" and encourage them to retrieve the ball.
When they return the ball, ask for an additional command such as "Sit" or "Drop it" before offering praise and a reward.
You can also add in a trick after each successful fetch, such as “shake” or "roll" or “spin,” to keep your Lapphund mentally engaged.
TRAINING BENEFIT:
This version of fetch reinforces obedience in a real-world context, where your dog must listen to your commands before proceeding. It also strengthens the bond between you and your dog by incorporating both training and play into a fun, rewarding experience. It's great for adult dogs who have already mastered some tricks and are looking to combine these into a set of tricks or activities.
go to your spot game
Finnish Lapphunds, like many working breeds, benefit from clear boundaries and structure in their environment. The “Go to Your Spot” game teaches your dog to settle in a specific area on command, which can be an invaluable skill for calming them down after playtime or teaching them to relax when needed. It reinforces boundaries and calmness, and is a must-have game for any puppies under 12 months of age.
HOW TO PLAY:
Start by using a mat or bed as a “spot” for your dog.
Ask them to "sit" or "stay" next to the mat, and then use a verbal cue like "Go to your spot!" to encourage them to step onto it.
Once they are on the mat, offer praise and a treat for staying in place. If your dog gets up, gently guide them back to the mat and repeat the command.
Over time, increase the duration they are asked to stay on the mat before rewarding them.
TRAINING BENEFIT:
This game teaches your dog self-control and reinforces the idea that they have a designated “spot” where they can relax. It also provides an outlet for them to release excess energy and settle down in a controlled environment.
SHAPING BEHAVIOUR WITH TARGETING:
FUN TRICK TRAINING
Targeting is a great way to teach your Finnish Lapphund new tricks or build their agility skills. This game focuses on rewarding your dog for touching a specific object with their nose or paw, such as a target stick, your hand, or an object like a ball.
HOW TO PLAY:
Start by holding a target stick or your hand in front of your dog.
When they touch it with their nose or paw, immediately mark the behavior with a word like “Yes!” or click with a clicker and offer a treat.
Gradually increase the difficulty by asking them to touch the target from different positions or distances.
You can also teach tricks like "touch" or "nose" or "bop," where your dog learns to touch the target on command, creating an engaging training session.
TRAINING BENEFIT:
Targeting teaches focus and precision, which is an excellent foundation for more advanced tricks and agility work. It also provides a way for your Lapphund to express their intelligence and be rewarded for completing tasks, strengthening your bond.
find the toy game:
Object discrimination
If you have multiple toys, you can teach your Finnish Lapphund the names of specific items and play a game where they must select the correct toy based on your specific command. This game uses mental stimulation and object discrimination, helping to keep your Lapphund's brain sharp and increases their vocabulary.
HOW TO PLAY:
Start by showing your Lapphund two toys and assigning them simple names (e.g., “ball” and “rope”).
Hold up one of the toys and say its name while offering praise when they interact with it.
Play the chosen toy a small distance away from your Lappy and then ask then to indicate or retrieve the toy. Reward them with praise and a treat for each successful attempt.
Gradually increase the number of toys, asking them to find the correct one based on the name you say.
Reward them when they correctly choose the toy, offering praise and treats.
TRAINING BENEFIT:
This game enhances your Lapphund's cognitive abilities by teaching them to differentiate between objects and associate them with specific cues. It also provides a fun and rewarding way to challenge them mentally while using their natural instincts for object retrieval.
rECALL pRACTICE WITH A TWIST:
HIDE & CALL GAME
Recall is a critical command for all dogs, and the “Hide-and-Call” game makes recall practice fun and rewarding. This game can be played indoors or outdoors and adds an element of surprise to your Finnish Lapphund's recall training.
HOW TO PLAY:
Begin by having your Finnish Lapphund stay or sit with another familiar person, while you hide in a room or area of your house or yard.
Once hidden, call your dog’s name and say “Find Me!”
The other person then releases your Lappy and you keep making sound (not the word "Come") until
When they do find you, offer lots of praise and a treat.
Gradually increase the difficulty by remaining silent, and then hiding in more challenging locations, such as behind furniture or around corners.
TRAINING BENEFIT:
This game strengthens your dog’s recall ability and helps them learn to respond quickly to commands, even in more distracting environments. It also creates an exciting way to practice their training while playing together.
conclusion
Exercising & training your Finnish Lapphund doesn’t have to be a single activity or a formal session. By turning exercises into fun and interactive games, you can keep your Lappy mentally stimulated while reinforcing positive behaviors and obedience. These activities not only challenge their intelligence but also strengthen the bond between you and your dog, making learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
As your Lappy excels in these games, you’ll see improved behavior, greater confidence, and a deeper connection with your dog. Keep experimenting with new games, mixing training with fun, and watch your Finnish Lapphund thrive both mentally and physically.
As your Lappy excels in these games, you’ll see improved behavior, greater confidence, and a deeper connection with your dog. Keep experimenting with new games, mixing training with fun, and watch your Finnish Lapphund thrive both mentally and physically.
