Category: Fun Stuff ¤ Author: Marie Gulliford ¤ Title: No Pull Game for Young Handlers ¤ As usual I'm multi-tasking here This game is "Climbing the Stairs". So you need indoor stairs, kids, dog, leash, clicker and treats. Start with the kids and the dog at the bottom of the stairs. The goal is to have all the kids and the dog end up at the top of the stairs. The first kid takes the leash(attached to dog) and proceeds to go up the stairs. The kid can C+T on the way, but no jerking or pulling. If the dog or the kid pulls on the leash before reaching the top both return to the bottom . The next kid gets a turn to try. Once one kid makes it to the top the dog is called to the bottom. When the dog gets to the bottom the next kid gets a turn. Continue to play until all have reached the top of the stairs. If the dog is a confirmed puller do not play this game going down the stairs as that could be dangerous. Instead have the adults lead the dog back down the stairs (No pulling allowed in that direction either. Happy Tails to You Marie Gulliford Ashby, Ma. USA ------------------------------ From: Melinda Johnson "How wonderful! Are there any rules about what distractions the kids are allowed to do to get the dog not to pull them up the stairs? Or is this just a matter of tiring out the dog? Must the child remain silent? Are they allowed to talk to the dog? Pat their thigh to get attention? What?" -------------------------------- From: "Marie Gulliford" More on the game. The game is designed to integrate teaching the dog not to pull on leash no matter who is on the other end(the recall too) with teaching the kids to play cooperatively(interact positively with dog too). The dog learns via the start line to finish line method. Start line at the bottom of stairs finish line at the top of the stairs. Dog gets rewards for walking up stairs on loose leash and for achieving the top of the stairs. Dog also gets reward for coming when called to bottom of stairs. Kids get rewards for getting dog to top of stairs, getting dog to come when called, and for helping everyone get to top of stairs.(positive coaching encouraged, nasty commentary to other kids gets you back to bottom of stairs) The game can be made more difficult as the dog and kids get better at it. Initially the kids can talk to dog, pat thigh, hold favorite toy, whatever(be creative). Game over and want to play again? No lures allowed. Talking permitted, c/t permitted. Game over and want to play again? No talking except by person at top of stairs. c/t only at top. Jackpots all around for completion of game. Happy Tails to You Marie Gulliford Ashby, Ma. USA ------------------------------