Why In-and-Out?
Rapidly transitioning your dog between environments through the In-and-Out game helps them develop adaptability and strengthen their focus on you.
It’s not just about training; it’s about having fun, building a strong bond, and encouraging good communication between you and your dog. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to help your dog transition from high-energy states to calm, well-behaved behaviors.
Imagine having a well-trained dog that actually listens to you instead of freaking out over everything. Sounds like a dream, right?!
What’s the benefit of playing the in-and-out game?
- Environmental Flexibility: This game helps your dog become more adaptable to various environments within a single session.
- Reinforce Good Behavior: Repeat good habits and have lots of wins. Instead of one pleasant walk, you’ll have several mini-successes!
- Bond Building: Strengthen the bond and communication with your dog through quick, positive interactions in distracting environments.
- Adrenaline Management: Help your dog shift from a high-energy state to a calm demeanor without completely draining their energy. The goal is a composed, happy pup!
Before we get started playing the in-and-out game
Engagement games are all about having fun with your dog and building a strong connection. They’re a fantastic way to keep your dog focused, happy, and eager to interact with you. Plus, you can reward your pup with their kibble, a small treat, a playful walk, or even by using your best Mickey Mouse voice for some enthusiastic praise. Trust me, they love it!
Now, here’s how you play the game
1. Inside Engagement: Begin with 3 to 5 rounds of engagement games inside the house.
2. Outside Engagement: Move just outside the door and play engagement games 1-3 times.
3. Back Inside: Return inside and play 2 more engagement games. Repeat Inside and Outside engagement games 3-5 times.
Just a reminder
By now, your dog has already practiced focusing on you over 10 times!
That’s way better than that one time you try to get your dog’s attention at starting the walk. Plus, you have burned off that adrenaline that is often a problem from the beginning of the walk.
Back to the in-and-out game
4. Gradual Distance: Once you’ve done the in-and-out game 3-5 indoors and outdoors, move on to engagement games just 5-10 steps from the front door.
5. Neighbor Distance: Gradually increase the distance to a house or two away, then return inside. Once you’re inside, feed your dog or give them a toy to keep them busy, then go do something nice for yourself because you deserve it.
But let’s keep it real
If your dog is hypervigilant, just go back to the front door and try again.
Your dog isn’t thinking straight in these moments and won’t make the best choices.
Of course, if the need arises for your dog to relieve themselves.
Can you think straight if you’re coming home and struggling to open the door because you gotta go to the bathroom so badly?
Let’s face it, we all have busy lives.
If you’re busy, reduce the repetitions and save it for later.
Wrapping it up
By the end of this game, you and your dog will have covered the same ground and burned the same energy as a quick walk, but with more fun. Additionally, the ability to transition between states of high energy and calmness will benefit your dog’s ability to handle stress on their own.
Keep in mind that achieving a well-behaved, happy dog involves taking small steps and showing lots of love.
3 days after learning how to play the in-and-out game
Imagine having a dog that looks to you for guidance instead of reacting to stress.
Sounds like a dream, right?!
So, put on your game face, grab your pup, and get ready for some fun bonding and behavior-boosting fun!
“Why do we break down obedience cues into small steps but neglect to do the same when teaching our dogs to walk properly?”- Amanda Lunsford
With the In-and-Out game, those small steps just got a lot more enjoyable!
References:
This game is a combination of
- Suzanne Clothier, Threshold, Threshold, and Doing Nothing
- Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Jazz up and Settle Down
- Leslie McDevitt’s pattern games
- Dr. Amy Cook’s Play Way encourages playful interactions and pausing to check-in.