At Alan’s K9 Academy, we use balanced, game-based methods to teach dogs how to think, focus, and make calm decisions — all while having fun.
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Here are some of our favorite games that build real obedience 👇

1️⃣ The Recall Chase Game

This game builds a powerful recall while keeping your dog motivated and excited to come to you.

How it works:

• Call your dog (“Come!” or “Here!”)
  
  
• As soon as they look at you, jog backward
  
  
• When they reach you, reward with praise, food, or play
  
  

Why it works:
Movement taps into your dog’s prey drive and makes coming to you the most rewarding choice.

✔ Builds fast, reliable recall
✔ Strengthens engagement
✔ Makes you more exciting than distractions

2️⃣ The “Place” Game

Place training is one of the strongest obedience foundations you can build. Turning it into a game makes it even more effective.

How to play:

• Send your dog to their place pad or bed
  
  
• Reward calmness
  
  
• Release with a cue (“Break!”)
  
  
• Re-send them again like a fun challenge
  
  

Why it works:
It teaches:
✔ Impulse control
✔ Calmness
✔ Patience
✔ Environmental neutrality

Dogs learn they win by choosing calm behavior.

3️⃣ The Focus Game (“Look at Me”)

A dog that can focus through distractions is a dog that obeys reliably.

How to play:

• Hold a treat near your eyes
  
  
• When your dog looks at your face, mark it (“Yes!”) and reward
  
  
• Add mild distractions over time
  
  

Why it works:
✔ Reinforces engagement
✔ Helps with reactivity
✔ Teaches your dog to look to you for direction

4️⃣ The Tug-and-Release Game

Tug isn’t “just play”— it teaches rules, control, and listening even when excited.

How to play:

• Start tug
  
  
• Say “Out” or “Drop”
  
  
• The moment they release, praise
  
  
• Resume play as the reward
  
  

Why it works:
✔ Reinforces impulse control
✔ Builds clarity around rules
✔ Creates a respectful dog who listens during excitement

5️⃣ The Find-It Game

A powerful mental exercise that teaches your dog to use their nose while building patience and focus.

How to play:

• Show your dog a treat
  
  
• Place it under a cup or hide it in the room
  
  
• Say “Find it!”
  
  
• Celebrate the search
  
  

Why it works:
✔ Builds confidence
✔ Burns mental energy
✔ Gives anxious dogs a job

6️⃣ Loose-Leash Walking Game

Walking games help your dog learn to stay near you without pulling.

How to play:

• Walk in random patterns
  
  
• Reward your dog for staying by your side
  
  
• Frequently switch directions
  
  

Why it works:
Dogs learn to check in with you and follow your lead — not drag you down the street.

🎯 Why Games Work Better Than Repetition

Games reinforce obedience naturally because they:

• Keep your dog mentally engaged
  
  
• Build your relationship
  
  
• Reduce frustration
  
  
• Teach skills through real movement
  
  
• Strengthen impulse control
  
  
• Create positive associations with training
  
  

A dog who enjoys learning becomes a dog who listens consistently.

💛 The Alan’s K9 Academy Way

Our balanced training approach blends structure, obedience, and fun — because training should strengthen the bond between you and your dog, not create stress.

Whether your goal is better recall, calmer walks, improved confidence, or stronger focus, game-based learning makes obedience enjoyable and effective.

📞 Ready to turn training into a game your dog LOVES?
Call (470) 648-6512 or visit www.alansk9academy.com

Alan’s K9 Academy — Where obedience meets engagement. 🐾✨

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